In contrast to December 2020 when the whole of Northamptonshire was in tier three restrictions, Christmas 2021 has some lighter and more hopeful moments for older people thanks to the kindness and generosity of local businesses, schools and people.  

Chris Duff, Chief Executive of local charity Age UK Northamptonshire, said: “We are delighted that many local businesses, schools and people have contacted us so that we can pass on gift hampers to the vulnerable older people we support.  

“We are thrilled that we can try and help older people to enjoy the festive season with these kind gifts.’’  

Mark Morgan, Manager of the Charity’s Kettering Day Centre, was determined his clients would have some festive lighter moments.  

Many of the day centre’s clients live alone, with few or no presents at Christmas, and the prospect of not seeing family this year.  

Mark and his team were very pleased to welcome Lauren Roberts, Charlotte Davey and David McNeilly from Nationwide Building Society’s Northampton office to the Rockingham Road day centre on Tuesday 14th December.  

The building society volunteers wore their wackiest Christmas jumpers to help serve a scrumptious Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and joined in traditional party games to the delight of everyone involved.  

Bill and Eileen were especially impressed by David’s Bingo-calling skills and all the clients were appreciative of the thoughtful gift bags that the three volunteers brought with them.  

On Wednesday 15th December nine students in Year 11 and their teachers Lizzie Dennis and Brogan Copus from the Purple Oaks Academy in Northampton called into The William and Patricia Venton Centre in Northampton to deliver some magnificent Christmas gift hampers.  

Day Centre Manager Bethany Smith [pictured right] says: “Our day care clients always enjoy meeting young people and having a bit of a laugh together. They always find they have so much in common. We say a huge thank you to the lovely teenagers and their generous families for helping to make 2021 a very special Christmas for our clients.”

Age UK Northamptonshire also says a huge thank you to Deacon Jim Hannigan and Nyta Mann of Northampton Caritas whose Love Christmas 2021 campaign has given a bag of festive goodies to 41 older people the charity supports in the county.   

Every item was thoughtfully donated by parishioners in the Northampton Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church and aims to “provide some joy and happiness and let people know they have not been forgotten.”  

The gift bags are already being distributed to Age UK Northamptonshire’s clients, focusing on lonely and isolated people in more difficult circumstances.  

And finally, Age UK Northamptonshire says a big thank you to Waitrose in Wootton whose ‘Give A Little Love’ campaign has donated £375 to Age UK Northamptonshire to help families in need have a Christmas they’ll remember.  

To find out more about the services and support provided by Age UK Northamptonshire, or to get involved with fundraising activities, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire or call 01604 611200.