Christmas Scheme Launches To Let Elderly On Isle Of Wight Know They 'Aren't Alone'

A scheme is underway to support the elderly who live on their own - in a bid to let them know they are not alone this Christmas - if they can't see family or friends.

Home Instead Senior Care Isle of Wight has launched a gift-giving campaign in support of Age UK Isle of Wight’s ongoing ‘No One Should Have No One’ project, which was launched at the start of the pandemic.

As a result of the coronavirus crisis, the charity says the elderly are potentially at risk of feeling more alone than ever this Christmas.

Between now and December 9, Islanders can play their part by dropping off gift donations at collection points located at:

• Asda in Newport
• Morrison’s in Newport
• Wilkinson’s Pie Shop in Sandown
• 66 Cards and Gifts in Ryde
• DTG Home Improvements
• Tesco Express in Ventnor
• Boots Pharmacy in Cowes
• Waitrose in East Cowes 
• The Home Instead office in Cowes

Suggested donations are chocolates, biscuits, sweets, puzzles, toiletries, and winter warmers, such as gloves, scarfs and blankets.

Gifts can also be purchased online directly from the campaign’s Amazon Wish List, which can be found at: bit.ly/IWbeasanta2020

Home Instead will wrap donations in festive wrapping paper and distribute them across the Isle of Wight.

Photo captions (LtoR): Dee Oswald; Director, Abigail Wheeler; Registered Manager, Carole Atkins; Care Coordinator and Lara Murray; Apprentice Administrator.

Abigail Wheeler, Home Instead Isle of Wight’s Registered Care Manager, said: 

“Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, many older people were already experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Now, due to Coronavirus and further restrictions, this Christmas is looking even harder for those people and many more”.

“So far, our ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ campaign has received referrals of 120 people who will be alone this Christmas. I am proud that Home Instead are able to distribute donated gifts to those older people and truly make a difference to their Christmas.”

Abigail added: 

“We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to members of the Isle of Wight Hockey Club who are walking the distance from Lands’ End to John O’Groats during lockdown to raise funds for their club and our ‘Be A Santa To A Senior’ campaign”.

Dee Oswald, co-owner and director of Home Instead Isle of Wight, said:

“Our clients are fortunate as they form lasting relationships with their CAREGivers who provide companionship-led care and support, and many elderly people are fortunate, that have family and friends that live close by.  Others aren’t so fortunate and probably wouldn’t receive anything at this very special time of year, which is why this campaign cements our ethos of “To us, it’s Personal”

“Since launching the campaign, we have already received an outstanding amount of support and generous gift donations. We could not do this without the help of our local community – thank you for all your help!”

For more information about the Be a Santa to a Senior campaign or to find out more about the services Home Instead offer, call 01983 240015 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/isle-of-wight/.