Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association run a complex befriending service for elderly, isolated and frail people throughout the borough of Croydon. Our clients often have no next of kin, have been victims of crime and are reliant on carers.
Over the Covid-19 period, we have had to put our befriending face-to-face visits on hold. Our service is currently running with more regular telephone calls but the clients have really missed not being able to see our befrienders. They have often felt even more alone and, with so much uncertainty, it’s been a frightening time for them too.
Every year, we hold a Christmas Tea Party afternoon which our clients always looked forward to and, for many of them, it’s the only social interaction they have over the festive period. We also distribute 100s of bags of Christmas goodies. These bags are put together from donations from across the business and school communities and delivered by our member groups throughout the borough.
With the restrictions this year, we are unable to carry out our normal plans but will be making Christmas gift boxes and delivering them to our clients and to other isolated, elderly residents in the borough. Many of them have little or no contact at all with anyone and as this year, has been especially difficult, it is so important to let them know they are not forgotten and that people do care.
We have had some incredibly generous donations from the Co-Op (311 Lower Addiscombe Rd), Waitrose (Sanderstead), Forestdale School and through our Just Giving appeal. These will make our gift boxes extra special this year and really help to brighten someone's Christmas. Additionally, the children of Hawes Down Primary School in West Wickham have made decorations and written personalised letters to go into the boxes.
We have also been very fortunate this year to have been awarded funding from Relief in Need and the Francis Winham Foundation.
We will be delivering 50+ gift boxes and some additional bags. Thank you to everyone that has contributed - we are very grateful for your support.
Merry Christmas!
Some of the wrapped boxes ready to be filled
Fabulous donations from the Co-Op and Waitrose looking festive!
Lovely hyacinth bulbs to last into the New Year!
A mug with jam, honey and tea bags for a cosy treat!
A huge thank you to the parents, staff and pupils of Forestdale School.
Thank you to the Co-Op, 311 Lower Addiscombe Rd, for their fantastic donations.
Thank you to Waitrose for their generous donations.