Esther Rantzen Helps Us Spread A Little Love

With Older People This Winter

Our ‘Winter Cheer’ campaign saw the distribution of 500 goody bags with the aim of putting a smile on the faces of older isolated residents across the borough of Camden.

We visited community centres, hospices, hospitals and over 350 households in Camden and Hampstead.
 
Each goody bag contained biscuits, Yorkshire tea bags, a pair of gloves, a pen, puzzle books, a recipe book and more. We also included useful literature about how best to keep warm in winter, where to get help with funding for your gas and electricity bill and then information about local events and charities.  
 
It’s sad to think that in England, over half of people aged over 75 live alone and 5 million older people say the television is their main form of company. Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed to our campaign, particularly the people who have helped deliver the goody bags and spread the message of love and care this winter.

Journalist and broadcaster Esther Rantzen joined forces with us to help address isolation and loneliness in the area by 'spreading the message of love and care.'

Esther said:

We had a great day and met some wonderful people who welcomed us into their homes. A simple visit from someone, or a chat on the phone, can be so important.”

George Morris, Managing Director of Bluebird Care for Camden and Hampstead, said:

Older people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, so we are encouraging everyone across the borough to fight loneliness and spread more love in the community.”

George and Esther visiting a local resident – Marian