Christmas isn't an easy time for everyone. We want to support Westminster residents aged 60 plus, who live alone and are experiencing social isolation. The majority of our Christmas project recipients are housebound or have severe mobility problems, which prevent them from visiting their families and engaging with other local Christmas activities. We want to make their Christmas just a little bit happier and less lonely.

This Christmas we are raising funds to deliver a festive hamper on the run up to Christmas and a befriending call on Christmas Day to over 500 isolated older people. A fantastic project we have been delivering to older Westminster residents for over 10 years.

Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the older people we support. Many have gone from being active and independent to being less mobile and fearful of leaving their homes. Social distancing has led to a huge and sudden increase in social isolation and loneliness; therefore, the delivery of this service during what is seen as the loneliest time of the year is crucial.

This year, Age UK Westminster would like to extend festive celebrations to take place throughout the month of December and the generous funds raised will also help us to provide:

- A Christmas Card/Christmas Wreath making workshop via zoom

- Christmas Quiz/Christmas Carols via zoom

- Two face-to-face Christmas lunches at a local restaurant/pub

This project is very important to us, as it provides a real lifeline for our clients and creates rewarding volunteer opportunities every year. Can you help give someone over 60 in Westminster a happy Christmas by supporting our project?

HEAR WHAT RECIPIENTS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM LAST YEAR'S PROJECT SAID:

"A big thank you from all the tenants that received the Hampers and a bigger thank you from us to you, Age UK and all the volunteers that came around. The hampers really cheered up tenants and they wanted to express their thank you to all of you."

"Ms X was really very pleased with the Age UK hamper and mentioned her surprise at receiving it, and the pleasure of seeing some young people on the doorstep who were there to drop it off. She mentioned items in the hamper in turn (jam, chutney, two Christmas puddings, and she thought the porridge oats were especially valuable and loved the mug with the Tower of London on it). She did not have a visit on Christmas Day from any family members but did speak to them on the phone."

"Ms M said the hamper from Age UK and the telephone call were "quite surprising and quite extraordinary" and "a very unexpected gesture, a very touching gesture, to realise that one is being thought of by someone."

"Ms P has just asked me to pass on her thanks for the generous Christmas hamper she received earlier today from your service; she is over the moon about it."

"I had a brilliant time volunteering for Age UK Westminster, it was so great to have the chance to talk to people who were isolated at Christmas and to hopefully spread some cheer."

Please note: Any additional income we make will be channelled into our loneliness campaigns.