Northumbria Police donate hampers

It was a merrier Christmas for lonely older people thanks to a hamper donation by Northumbria Police to Age UK North Tyneside

Lonely older people across the borough had a merrier Christmas thanks to a special delivery of treats, donated by generous police officers, staff and cadets. Age UK North Tyneside distributed 60 hampers, made by Northumbria Police based at Wallsend and Killingworth, to customers who had no family around at Christmas time.

The charity, which launched a campaign to end loneliness in North Tyneside earlier last year, delivered the boxes filled with goodies such as biscuits, chocolate and puzzles, to older people they have identified as isolated over Christmas.

Alma Caldwell, Chief Executive of Age UK North Tyneside, said: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the police cadets, staff and officers who made up and donated these hampers to us. They will make such a difference to our customers’ Christmas time.
“Loneliness is worse for an older person’s health than obesity and is as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day – so we have to do something about this epidemic now.
“It’s not just about the contents of these hampers that will make a difference, but the person that will deliver them. Having a smiley face at people’s front door, someone to have a little chat with, will really lift the spirits of everyone who receives these. We are really looking forward to delivering them.”
She added: “We’d like to remind everyone that, as the cold snap sets in, many older people will not leave their homes, so it’s really important to befriend neighbours, help where you can and please get in touch if you’re able to volunteer in any way. Together, we can all help to end loneliness in North Tyneside.”

The Police Cadets and other volunteers came together with their counterparts from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, as part of their Project Christmas initiative, to wrap and deliver the boxes to Age UK North Tyneside.

They were delivered by volunteers from the charity to older residents across the borough who are isolated.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, who heads up the volunteers at Northumbria Police, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work that our cadets have done and would like to thank all those who gave up their own time and donated gifts as part of Project Christmas. It should help bring a smile to some of the most vulnerable in our society. “The festive period can be a lonely time for some people living in our communities, so this is an incredibly thoughtful way to spread some Christmas cheer and give presents to those who deserve a little treat.”