Celebrating Christmas across the Right at Home UK network
Franchise offices across the country are on a mission to stamp out isolation and loneliness over the festive period.
Published: 17/12/2024
Right at Home franchise offices have been spreading Christmas cheer in their communities this month.
Our incredible teams across the country, from Cheshire and Derby to Solent and the Isle of Wight, have embarked on a series of heart-warming initiatives, with a focus on driving out loneliness and isolation over the festive period.
In Cheshire East, the team has launched a ‘Festive Friends’ campaign to bring joy to vulnerable individuals who may otherwise be overlooked during the holiday season.
The campaign has attracted support from local residents, who have generously donated thoughtful and comforting gifts, from warming blankets and slippers to puzzles and afternoon tea hampers.
The RaH Cheshire East team will deliver over 200 gifts to people living in Stockport, Macclesfield and Wilmslow next week.
They have also joined forces up with three local primary schools, whose pupils have been busy making Christmas cards to be delivered with each individual gift.
Owner and Registered Manager Rebecca Whiting said: “When the festive season comes around, the sense of isolation among vulnerable people is particularly heightened. This time of year is associated with spending time with friends and family and the joy that this companionship brings us, but for a lot of people who live alone, and don’t have loved ones to turn to, this simply isn’t the case.
“The purpose behind our Festive Friends campaign is to bring light to people who really need it and to show the community how much we care.”
The RaH Cheshire East team is preparing to deliver 200 gifts to isolated residents this Christmas
RaH Isle of Wight Owners Vicky and Paul are planning a Christmas Day lunch for those who face spending Christmas alone this year
Over on the Isle of Wight, RaH Owners Vicky and Paul Butler are in the midst of planning a special Christmas Day lunch for those who face spending Christmas alone.
They have teamed up with several businesses, including a local restaurant, whose chef will give up his Christmas Day to cook a delicious meal for the event.
A local farm shop, grocer, bakery and florist will also supply food and décor on the day, and the council will provide a minibus for those who require transportation. Over 30 people are expected to attend.
Paul Butler said: “Every year, the loneliness elderly people face becomes more and more apparent. It’s heart-breaking to know that many individuals will be spending Christmas alone and that’s why we decided to organise a special meal on Christmas Day. It will give local residents a chance to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner surrounded by like-minded people.”
Meanwhile in Derby, the office team has launched a new community event that will support residents over the whole of winter.
The free event, ‘A Warm Space’, opens at Willington Village Hall every Friday, welcoming all those who’d like to enjoy a friendly chat, a hot drink and a slice of cake in a warm and comfortable environment.
John Houghton, Owner of RaH Derby, said: “The warm space has been a wonderful hub for bringing the local community together, creating connections, and building friendships. In the New Year, we’re excited to add table activities like adult colouring and a quiz to make it an even more welcoming and engaging place for everyone.”
Elsewhere across the country, RaH teams have held a number of festive events for their Clients and community members throughout December.
RaH Havant hosted a Dementia Friendly Christmas Sing-Along at a local church this week. The event featured two Singing for the Mind choirs, set up by Owner Duncan Cameron last year, and free refreshments.
And in East Lancashire, Solent and North Somerset, office teams and CareGivers have held festive meals and parties for their beloved Clients.
From left: RaH offices in East Lancashire, Derby and Solent have hosted special festive get-togethers for their Clients and community members this month.
At Right at Home, we actively encourage Franchise Owners and their staff to engage with their Clients outside of the usual care calls and with their wider communities. This not only promotes brand awareness and Client acquisition, but helps franchisees give back to society – one of the biggest ambitions of the majority of our Owners when they join the network.
