Festive Friends: Spreading Joy to Isolated Individuals This Christmas

As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to joyful gatherings with family and friends. However, for some in our community, Christmas can be a time of profound loneliness. This year, Right at Home Cheshire East is launching the Festive Friends campaign, an initiative designed to bring warmth and joy to those who might otherwise be forgotten during the holidays.

The Challenge of Loneliness

Loneliness is a growing concern across the UK, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that 7.2% of the population feel lonely "often" or "always". In our local area, the situation is particularly pressing:

• In Stockport, 41% of residents aged over 65 are at risk of loneliness or social isolation.
• Cheshire East Council estimates that over 12,000 older adults are severely lonely.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for community action, especially during the festive season when feelings of isolation can be most acute.

About the Festive Friends Campaign

The Festive Friends campaign aims to deliver 200 gifts to vulnerable, lonely, or isolated individuals throughout the Stockport and Cheshire East area this Christmas. But it's more than just gift-giving – it's about creating connections and showing that our community cares.

Key campaign details:

• Timeline: Gift tags available from 1st November, with a donation deadline of 20th December
• Distribution: Gifts will be delivered between 21st and 25th December
• School Partnership: Four local primary schools are creating custom Christmas cards to accompany the gifts

This collaboration with local schools adds a heartwarming touch, bridging generations and fostering community spirit.

The Impact of Your Generosity

By participating in the Festive Friends campaign, you're not just giving a gift – you're offering hope, warmth, and a reminder that someone cares. Your act of kindness can bring a world of joy to someone who might otherwise be forgotten this Christmas.

As one of our gift tags reads: "Your generosity could be the light that makes someone's Christmas truly merry."

Right at Home Cheshire East's Commitment

While the Festive Friends campaign is a special initiative for the holiday season, Right at Home Cheshire East is committed to supporting our community year-round. Our home care services provide ongoing support to many individuals who might otherwise face isolation.

This campaign is an extension of our core values – trust, quality, compassion, and respect – which guide all our interactions with clients and the community.

Join the Festive Friends Movement

We invite you to be part of this heartwarming initiative. Here's how you can spread the word and make an even bigger impact:

1. Share on social media using #FestiveFriends
2. Follow us on social to keep an eye on our progress on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn
3. Encourage friends and family to participate
4. Consider volunteering if you have time to spare

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community feels forgotten this Christmas. Every gift, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone's life.

The Festive Friends campaign is more than just a gift-giving initiative – it's a movement to combat loneliness and spread joy in our community. By participating, you're not only brightening someone's Christmas but also contributing to a more connected and compassionate society.

This holiday season, let's come together to show that Stockport and Cheshire East are communities that care. Your kindness can be the spark that ignites a brighter, more inclusive festive season for all.

Ready to make a difference? Visit our website or one of our partner locations to pick up a gift tag today. Remember, the deadline for gift donations is 20th December. Let's make this Christmas special for everyone in our community!