Christmas Friendship Appeal

Are you looking for a way to reduce loneliness and isolation for older people this Christmas? For many of us, Christmas is a time to enjoy the company of our loved ones, but for many older people, it can be a lonely and difficult time. At MHA, we are dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation for people in later life, and we have a simple opportunity for you to help us with this mission.

How about sending an extra Christmas card to an older person living in a care home or alone in the community? Your card will help them to feel valued and cared for, and show them that they are not on their own. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in fighting loneliness and spreading joy this Christmas.

Join us today and help us bring some Christmas magic to people in later life. Together, we can make this Christmas a little more merry and bright for older people who need it most.

How to take part

1. When writing your Christmas cards this year, write an extra Christmas card (or as many as you would like) for the Christmas Friendship Appeal.

Still need to get your Christmas cards?

Support our befriending team further, by exploring their Christmas cards. Designed by MHA residents, members and colleagues, each one will help support a befriending relationship.

2. Please write your Christmas card as you would write to any friend or family member, addressing it “Dear friend”, “To a new friend” or similar.
   
   
3. Put the Christmas card in an envelope but please leave the envelope blank. 
   
   
4. Send the card(s) in a separate envelope addressed to:
   
   Christmas Friendship Appeal
   MHA
   Epworth House
   3 Stuart Street
   Derby
   DE1 2EQ
   
   Please send your cards directly to any of our care homes, they will be happy to accept your cards and will pass them on to residents.
   
   
5. The Christmas Friendship Appeal team will hand out your card(s) to older people living in one of our care homes, retirement living schemes or a member of an MHA Communities scheme.

If you would like to receive an acknowledgement of your Christmas cards, please include a contact and email address so we can send a thank you and let you, your school or community group know how you've supported older people this Christmas.