Delivering a Little Christmas Kindness in Hertfordshire
2,500 people living in Hertfordshire will be treated to some Christmas kindness this year as partners come together to deliver a festive gift. The County Council has worked with local charity, Small Acts of Kindness, and HertsHelp, its countywide help and advice service, to source and pack Bags of Kindness, which will be distributed by community organisations and volunteers to residents across the county.
The Bags of Kindness contain lots of treats – biscuits, chocolates, soup, and hot chocolate, as well as useful practical items such as blankets, gripper socks, and a card thermometer. Each bag will also contain a comprehensive set of leaflets and information, signposting residents to support and services available such as HertsHelp, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Citizens Advice and Hertfordshire Healthy Hubs. Advice includes how to prevent scams, winter health and how to book a Safe & Well check.
The Bags of Kindness will be delivered to people who have been identified by community and voluntary sector partners as benefiting from some extra kindness this winter, including people who are older, living with disabilities, recently bereaved, lonely, living with mental health problems, carers or clinically vulnerable.
Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, who was one of the many volunteers who have helped to pack the bags, said: ‘Small Acts of Kindness really are a great partner to help us look after our residents this winter and I’m really pleased that we are once again able to fund the bags going out to residents this Christmas. It’s important for us to do what we can to help people live independent lives and feel looked after. We want residents to know we’re with them this winter, and this fantastic scheme is part of that.’
There is lots of advice and support available to help Hertfordshire residents manage the cost of living and to stay safe and well this winter, with practical help for people who need it most. For more information, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving
If you need help and don’t know where to turn, contact HertsHelp – trained advisors are available to offer free, confidential assistance. They can put you in touch with relevant services and local support, visit www.hertshelp.net or call 0300 123 4044.