As the winter period fast approaches, we would like to once again take the chance to reflect on the positives in our life, specifically our financial stability, access to food, and ability to surround ourselves with family and friends, especially at Christmas time.

Unfortunately, there are a growing number of people and families who face isolation at this time of year, including many who are part of our local community.

This year, we’d like to demonstrate that our purpose is underlined by action and reflected in how we contribute to the vulnerable and those in need within our communities. To this end we will be supporting The Abbey Centre, a charity that supports the people of south Westminster in central London to improve their quality of life.

Each year they bring together 75 older people into the Abbey Centre for a 3-course Christmas meal, who would otherwise be at risk of social isolation. They hold a raffle, and also provide a gift for every service user that goes to the meal and also some of the housebound service users they support with telephone befriending.

As part of our support, Informed colleagues will be collecting gifts to donate. We will also be fundraising by hosting a Christmas jumper day on December 1st and we have 14 colleagues taking part in the Tatton Yule Yomp 10k trail race on December 10th.