A little ‘Christmas Kindness’ is delivered across Hertfordshire this season

This year more than 3,000 older residents living across Hertfordshire, will be the recipient of a small act of ‘Christmas kindness.’ Two organisations have joined forces to deliver festive gift boxes.

Teams from Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care and HertsHelp services have partnered with local charity, Small Acts of Kindness, on the new Christmas Kindness project. A present will be sourced, gift wrapped and hand delivered by volunteers to older people throughout the county.

The scheme has attracted over 140 volunteers. All have been actively packing and wrapping boxes, in accordance with the latest COVID-19 safety measures. Each gift box contains ‘carefully selected treats,’ along with ‘information about HertsHelp.’ Residents can contact the countywide service, if they require support or guidance. There will also be ‘someone to talk’ with over the festive season, should they feel isolated.

Richard Roberts, Executive Member for Adult Care and Health at Hertfordshire County Council, said:

“The Christmas Kindness project is a fantastic initiative and this year it’s more important than ever to look out for one another. The coronavirus pandemic has meant that this Christmas will be very different for many older people, and after months of shielding or isolating, many face the prospect of little or no contact with family and friends. We’re delighted to have been able to fund so many of these gift boxes, and I’d like to say a special thank you to the volunteers who have given their time to support the project. As well as spreading some happiness along the way, it’s vital that residents know that anyone in need of a little extra help can get in touch with HertsHelp.”

Lynne Misner, CEO for Small Acts of Kindness, added:

"Our aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation for older people and to connect communities with kindness. It is an absolute pleasure to partner with Hertfordshire County Council to bring the Christmas Kindness project to reality and to know that so many people will not only have a wonderful box of gifts, but also know that someone cares about them too. Together we are stronger."

Small Acts of Kindness sources and distributes practical gifts to older people within Hertfordshire. The charity aims ‘to reduce loneliness and isolation... by connecting communities with kindness.’ Each year they ‘work with 90 partner organisations,’ which enables them to ‘reach hundreds of vulnerable older people.’

HertsHelp consists of a network of community organisations in Hertfordshire that work together. It provides information and advice on a range of services available across the county. This includes linking individuals with other 'local people, groups and COVID-19 secure befriending services.'

For more information about HertsHelp call 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit www.hertshelp.net. Further details on the projects run by Small Acts of Kindness are available from: https://www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk