For many, the winter period is a time for family and celebrating Christmas, but many elderly people spend the winter feeling lonely and experiencing isolation, this has been exasperated further by Covid-19.

They might have been recently widowed, have family that live far away, or simply be too vulnerable through ill health to see friends from week to week.

Covid-19 has raised the level of need in the East End, prior to the pandemic, the 2019 Trust for London report showed the three East End boroughs are disproportionately affected leaving more older people living in poverty.

Average for London 24%

Tower Hamlets 43.9%

Hackney 40.7%

Newham37.3%

With the support of community volunteers, alongside donations from the business community, EECF distributes winter care packages across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham bringing cheer to the isolated and vulnerable in all settings, including day centres and sheltered accommodation.

Just £20.00 covers the cost of purchasing, packing and distributing a bag of the following items:

Boxed Biscuits

Hot Chocolate

Hand Cream

Cup of Soup

Sweet Treat /Chocolates

Hand Sanitiser

Body Wash

A Warm Blanket