Local charity LifeCare is asking for donations to ensure older people living alone this Christmas receive a gift
LifeCare Edinburgh, the local older people’s care charity, proudly celebrated its 85th anniversary this year, supporting older people and unpaid carers for longer than the NHS has existed.
Last year, Lifecare supported over 800 clients – an increase of 32% on the previous year – with almost 700 of their clients living alone. LifeCare’s services often provide the only in-person contact for many of their clients.
Each year, LifeCare delivers Christmas gift packs to their most isolated clients. These packs are filled with thoughtful gifts including a selection of treats (hot drink sachets, sweets and biscuits), an activity book, something warm (like cosy socks/gloves/hats) and a surprise extra gift. Included are also handwritten Christmas cards from local school children, clubs and volunteers.
“Margaret was delighted, she put her scarf on straight away and enjoyed the hot chocolate with her biscuits.”
This year, LifeCare is inviting the community to help them ensure 300 of their most isolated clients receive Christmas gift packs through their Christmas Campaign. They are asking for donations of £10 to go towards a gift pack and invite those who donate to write a personalised message which will be handwritten on the gift tag.
By donating £10 towards LifeCare’s Christmas Campaign today, you ensure an older person living alone has something to open, a moment of warmth, a feeling of connection, feels seen and smiles this Christmas.
Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time for many, but for many of our clients it is a day spent alone.
“Edinburgh is the loneliest city in the UK – with 3 in 5 over 50’s experiencing loneliness – and Christmas can often intensify this.
“Here at LifeCare we understand the challenges Christmas can bring. Through our Christmas campaign we hope to ensure warmth, joy and connection to those who need it most. Every £10 donated means so much more than the gift pack, it is reminding our clients that they have a community behind them and that they are not alone.
“We are creating more packs than ever due to more clients living in isolation.
“In lieu of buying Christmas cards or a gift this year, why not choose to donate towards our Christmas Appeal.
“We want to thank everyone who has already supported the campaign and look forward to hand-delivering the gift packs to those who need them most.”
LifeCare are also offering unique gifting opportunities through their Friends for LifeCare membership.
Why not do something a little different this year for your friends and family. Their Friends for LifeCare memberships include a welcome pack filled with a bespoke badge, letter, certificate and more.
Gift with meaning and ensure local older people get the help, support and connection they need, today, tomorrow and in the years to come. Full details are available on the charity’s website, social media or pop in and speak to someone at the Community Hub.
If you would like to ensure an isolated older person receives something this Christmas, donate just £10 towards LifeCare’s Christmas appeal.
You can visit their website www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit their Community Hub on 2 Cheyne St, EH4 1JB.
