Christmas is a time for family and community spirit and a hot fire however it is also a time when temperatures are frosty and the coffers have been spent on presents.
Campaigns like Spread The Warmth run by Age UK for years have raised awareness and funds to pay for energy efficient measures in at least nine million homes living in fuel poverty.
However, schools and charities across Greater Manchester have been doing their bit to spread their own kind of warmth to the elderly this Christmas.
Sixth form students at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury hosted an annual Christmas party for the local elderly people on December 18, a tradition in place for the past 20 years.
Miss Garry, a teacher at the school, said: “The sixth form organise the event and we don’t give much insight at all.”
She added: “It has always been community spirited here. “
The student-lead event involves Christmas carols from the school choir, a jazz band and some shows from the drama department. The sixth form also hosts a summer tea party with music and shows where the students dance with the elderly.
The dulcet tones of Beaver Road Primary School choir have also spread warmth to the elderly people. 20 Pupils aged nine to eleven graced residential homes in Didsbury with festive tidings and a range of Christmas carols.
Holly Richards, music coordinator and head of the choir, said: “I think for the community there is something magical about hearing children sing. One man at Broomfield Court Residential Home spoke of their lives usually being so dull and these children were a burst of sunshine.”
She added: “It is really good for the elderly to see youth and it is also really important for the children to interact with the elderly.
“Some of these children may not grandparents and some of the elderly might not see their grandchildren at Christmas so it works both ways.”
Groups in Bury have also been pitching in to make sure that no one misses out on a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
Jigsaw Link Bury is just one. This befriending scheme for older disabled people aims to give older lonely people social contact to help them overcome social isolation.
The group matches members with volunteer ‘befrienders’ who visit once a week to for a tipple at the local pub or a trip to the Jubilee Centre.
Paul Mc Cormick, coordinator for Jigsaw Link, said: “These older people don’t usually see many people around Christmas so we organize Christmas parties as well.”
Rotary clubs around Bury have also been pitching in to ensure that no one goes hungry. The Radcliffe Rotary Club recently held a Christmas dinner for 300 guests aged over 70, free of charge.
President of the club James Linihan said: “It is so important that everyone gets a Christmas dinner.
“You shouldn’t be on your own around Christmas and these events ensure that these people can get together.”
For more information about the Spread The Warmth campaign:
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/spread-the-warmth/
Picture courtesy of My Name’s Axel, with thanks.
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