Small Acts of Kindness brings Christmas cheer to Herts elderly

Christmas treats and practical presents are set to be delivered to 2,500 older people in Hertfordshire.

The county council has partnered with the charity, Small Acts of Kindness, and HertsHelp, the countywide help and advice service, to source and wrap the gifts.

The Bags of Kindness contain biscuits, sweets, soup and hot chocolate as well as useful items such as blankets, gripper gloves, a thermal hat and a card thermometer.

Each bag will also contain a comprehensive set of leaflets and information, signposting residents to support and services available such as HertsHelp, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Stop Falls and Hertfordshire Police.

Advice on how to prevent scams, how to book a Safe & Well check and how to prevent and recover from falls will also be included.

The recipients will include people who are older, living with disabilities, recently bereaved, lonely, living with mental health problems, carers or clinically vulnerable.

Cllr Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, volunteered to help pack some of the bags.

He said: “I’m really pleased that we are once again able to fund the bags going out to residents this Christmas. It’s really important for us to do what we can to help people live independent lives and feel looked after. We want residents to know we’re with them this winter, and this fantastic scheme is part of that.”