UPDATE:

Caraway is enormously grateful for the generosity towards the Care Gift project. We have now delivered around 250 gifts to our local Care Homes; one Manager messaged to say:

“We are overwhelmed and surprised at your generosity and act of kindness. We (the carers) are very grateful.”

We are distributing gifts next week in Shirley and Bassett, but would love to reach Care Homes across Southampton, especially in those areas which are more deprived, so your gifts of money, home-made cards and gift wrapping continue to be appreciated. Do let us know if you are able to help or contribute to this project in anyway. Volunteers are praying over the gifts as they are delivered that they will be a sign of God’s blessing for the staff in our Care Homes.

Caraway, one of our mission partners, is working hard to support those working in care homes across our city. This message is from Erica, (a member of staff here at Highfield and City Chaplain for Older People), and outlines how you can help:

It has been uplifting to be part of the national expression of heartfelt gratitude for our frontline health and care workers on Thursday evenings. We are indebted to so many in our communities, that enable the flow of life to continue smoothly at this time.

Recognising the hidden role of those who are courageously caring for those who are most vulnerable, and living in our local Care Homes, we plan to recognise their value with a small gift of hand-cream and chocolate, together with a card to express our thanks for their selfless service.

Providing compassionate care for residents, who are even more isolated without contact with family and friends is even more essential at this time. The Caraway Team is staying in regular contact with many of our Care Homes, and we hope that we will be able to build on these relationships over the coming months.

You can help us in these different ways:

·      Donate? £5 covers one gift of hand-cream and chocolate – please donate here

·      Creative? Make some thank you cards

·      Space? Pack the gifts ready for delivery

·      Delivery? Collect and deliver the gifts for the Care Homes

If you’re able to help or have any queries or suggestions, please contact us at:

caraway@caraway.uk.com

With love,
Erica
City Chaplain for Older People