Durham care home gift Christmas hampers to local communityHC-One homes across the north of England have organised a hamper initiative, that saw representatives from the homes hand out hampers in the local community, to  combat loneliness, isolation and bring a smile to people’s faces this Christmas. 

Residents and Staff at the Melbury Court care home in Durham recently decided to give back to their local community this Christmas, after the local community pulled together to help the home during the coronavirus pandemic.

This year has been a difficult year for everyone and a year where everyone has had to pull together.  Residents at Melbury Court care home nominated individuals in their local community who they felt, truly deserved a surprise with the delivery of a wonderful Christmas hamper.  

Melbury Court care home surprised Tom Simms, Ann Bradshaw, Barry Johnson, Muriel Parkin, and Jean Ramshaw on the 16th December with their hampers. They were overjoyed with the gifts which helped them feel remembered and appreciated during the festive season.

Tom Simms, who volunteered at Melbury Court said: “Thank you so much, you have made my Christmas.” Tom’s wife Ellen was a much-loved Resident at Melbury Court and pre-coronavirus, Tom devoted all of his time to visiting Ellen and did an amazing job volunteering at Melbury Court. Everyone at the home can’t wait for him to return.

Ann Bradshaw said: “Thank you so much you don’t know what this means”.

Barry Johnson said: “Thank you for thinking of us and a Merry Christmas”.

Jean Ramshaw said: “Mums loved and well looked after at Melbury Court and thank you very much for the wonderful present.”

Melbury Court Deputy Manager, Beth Morrow said: “Being able to give something back to the local community, following their fantastic response to our Christmas appeal and the kindness they have shown throughout the year, was such a fulfilling gesture”. 

Area Director, Lynn Maddison “We are extremely thankful to those in our community for the love and support that they have shown us through these unprecedented and challenging times.  To be able to offer a token of our appreciation was only fitting and we hope that the hampers we delivered, bring the same feelings of joy and warmth that they have given us through 2020!”

Overall, ten HC-One homes across the north of England are distributing Christmas hampers to people in the local community, spreading the festive spirit across the whole region and strengthening their relationships with those who they already communicate with.