Christmas - the power of community at special times

I’ve been hearing a lot about community in our homes and schemes lately. Northampton Live at Home was chosen by Waitrose to receive a grant for the supermarket’s community Christmas Campaign, enabling it to put on two delicious Christmas lunches for members. Norwood in Ipswich and Derham Court in Yatton have been sending shoeboxes full of gifts to impoverished people in Swaziland and Romania. The Homestead in Carterton has held its first Live at Home luncheon, attended by the Mayor.

In the last blog post, Alison Slater noted how lonely Christmas can be for vulnerable older people who have been bereaved, or who do not have family and friends close by. With the incredible support of our volunteers and many local churches, we are able to reach further into communities to help bring festive cheer to as many older people as possible.

If you don’t mind writing an extra Christmas card, perhaps you’ll join in by participating in our Christmas Friendship Appeal, sending good wishes to residents and scheme members across the country. It is especially comforting for older people who find that the number of cards they receive declines as the years go by. You can find out more by contacting Lesley.France@mha.org.uk, or call 0113 272 8466.

And now, to all our readers, friends and supporters – I wish you all a merry Christmas, and a very happy new year.

Roger Davies

Chief Executive