Kind thoughts make a difference

Thank you for the generous gifts and goodwill

Severe cold weather can be particularly devastating to older people, especially if worries about the cost of living crisis is preventing them from turning on the heating. 25,000 older people in the UK die prematurely from cold weather-related illnesses each year. Wintry weather can also increase the likelihood and severity of flu, chest infections and other respiratory problems.

With the ongoing freezing weather, Barclays Northampton said “To help support our local community with the cost of living challenges, local Barclays colleagues organised support for Age UK Northamptonshire. We collected warm items of clothing from members of staff to help the elderly during these difficult times. As one of the hardest hit groups in society, they do not always have the help they require, so we really hope our donations will really make a difference.”

Caroline Gooch, Senior Services Manager at Age UK Northamptonshire [pictured with Amey Carrington from the Hospital Support Service], thanked Barclays for their thoughtfulness and kindness. “We work across the county and, particularly this year, are coming across situations where people will be very appreciative of a warm item of clothing. We support people who are struggling to heat their homes or even get out to buy warmer clothing, so thanks to the donations of warm clothing we will be able to provide practical support to help reduce the chill for vulnerable older people this winter.

“Colder weather, seasonal infections, and higher costs means winter can be a challenging time for many older people. Unfortunately, this coming winter is quite likely to be one of our most difficult yet,” she added.

Staff at Age UK Northamptonshire will be pulling out all the stops to make sure the hats, gloves, scarves and jumpers are distributed as quickly as possible, to bring some Christmas cheer to older people who may be struggling financially or feeling lonely and isolated. As well as helping to keep them safer, the gift of warm clothing will remind them they have not been forgotten.

We also say a huge thank you to Deacon Jim Hannigan and Nyta Hirons of Northampton Caritas for donating 29 Christmas bags, each one full of festive goodies that have been donated by local parishioners in the Northampton Diocese of the Catholic Church. The gift bags will be thoughtfully distributed to clients in the county who we believe are on a low income and whose circumstances are not easy. The gifts are part of Caritas' Love Christmas 2022 campaign which "aims to provide some joy and happiness to those most in need this Christmas by reaching out and letting people know we are with them, and they are not alone." We are sure that the kind gifts will reassure our clients that they have not been forgotten by people in their community and will help them enjoy Christmas this year.

Jo Bird [centre] was delighted to collect the gift bags and to thank Deacon Jim and Nyta Hirons of Caritas Northampton and the many people living in 69 parishes in Northamptonshire who donated the gifts.

Huge thanks to residents of Northampton for supporting the Lions Club of Northampton's annual Can Collection at the end of November.  Your generous gifts of groceries and festive treats are being distributed to local older people to brighten their Christmas and let them know they are valued by their community.

Thank you also to Lush Northampton for bringing in some very special smellies for our day centre clients at The William and Patricia Venton Centre.  Every little item is very much appreciated.