Christmas Appeal 2023

Age UK Plymouth launch on of their biggest fundraising campaigns of the year, inviting people to donate to help fill Christmas Hampers and pay for warm Christmas meals to banish isolation and loneliness for over 50s, those living with dementia and their carers in the city of Plymouth.

At a time of year when we’re expected to spend time with our nearest and dearest many people can find themselves feeling more lonely or isolated than usual. The cost of living goes up when temperatures go down, making winter one of the most difficult times of the year for those struggling in Plymouth where some areas of our city fall into the top 1% most deprived in the country.

Age UK Plymouth are inviting donations to support people like Terry and Michael living in our community via their Amazon Wishlists where members of the public can select items online to help fill a hamper with essential items to make someone's Christmas safe and comfortable delivered to their door. People can also Sponsor a Christmas Meal, just £10 will pay for a friendly face to deliver a hot, Christmas meal to someone isolated at home with £20 paying for someone to enjoy a Christmas meal and attend a Christmas Party.

A LEGACY OF SUPPORT

Combating loneliness and isolation has been a key part of what Age UK Plymouth has focused on for over eighty years. 2022 marked the 20th anniversary of a partnership between Devonport High School for Girls and Age UK Plymouth that has seen many hundreds of people in the City of Plymouth supported with provisions and warm kits over the years. Mr Abbotts, Head of Religious Studies at Devonport High School for Girls has been key to the success of the partnership since it started in 2002, “I’ve always felt that older people are overlooked and undervalued. The message that I put out to the school is that this is a real thing that we do for real people. There are around 21,000 older people in Plymouth living below the poverty line, I mean, it’s really shocking.”

FUNDRAISING PARTNERS

Thanks to help from community partners Age UK Plymouth have already made huge progress towards their target for this coming festive season. “This is one of the biggest fundraising projects that we have launched this year,” said Head of Fundraising, Tara Dale. “2023 has been a great year for us in terms of what we have been able to achieve thanks to building partnerships and it’s a testament to the organisations we work with that so many have returned to support our Christmas Appeal.”

Sky Cares have worked extensively with the charity in 2023 not only with providing volunteering hours but also for funding community events such as a series of Coronation events, and have pledged an additional £500 to support the Christmas appeal. Plymouth City Councillor Rebecca Smith has also arranged for a Community Grant of £100 for the appeal.

Bistrot Pierre have also announced that they will be repeating their “Pay It Forward” initiative which saw the restaurant donate a three-course meal to Age UK Plymouth for every Sunday Christmas party booking of six people or more. After Christmas a group of 30 volunteers and clients were then invited to enjoy a meal together at the Royal William Yard venue. “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Bistrot Pierre”, said Matthew De Sousa, general manager of Bistrot Pierre Plymouth. He added: "January can be a challenging time of year for any resident, but for the most vulnerable amongst us, there has never been more need for communities to open their doors and welcome our residents in. We really enjoyed welcoming each and every guest from Age UK Plymouth for a much-needed treat, a warm meal, and an opportunity to create lasting memories.”

To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how your group or organisation can work with or support the charity please email enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk.