In 2020 (during lockdown) Ignite Imaginations, working with Age Better in Sheffield to put on a Christmas Meal Experience with a difference. We reached over 300 people across Sheffield who were aged over 50 and at risk of feeling lonely this Christmas.

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We worked with over 50’s across the city to co-design, co-produce and co-deliver a relevant and meaningful Christmas Meal experience event that connected people over 50 to their community and the city.

 

We provided:

• Music outside peoples homes

• Friendly phone call on Christmas day from a volunteer

• Hot Christmas dinners to people in their homes,

• Beautiful gift bag full of creative activities, receipe book and gifts. 

• Handmade Christmas cards

• Online programme of activity throughout the day

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The numbers!

• Total number of people reached (participants): 341

• Number that had a meal: 177

• Number that received a gift bag: 314

• Number of volunteers in total: 134

• Number of volunteer hours in total: 280

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“Please keep up your good work. I am 90 and have been a widow for 10 years, I live alone and have no family nearby. A big thank you to all your helpers during this trying time of our lives” Gift Bag recipient.

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“It enabled me to feel connected, instead of isolated” Gift Bag recipient

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“I want to congratulate you for running and organizing this project so well. The person I telephoned was incredibly grateful; she clearly felt noticed and cared for by the charity (and was very much looking forward to her Christmas Dinner!). For my part, I found the training and support spot on, and it was a privilege to be involved. It would so good to this sort of project run elsewhere too.” Telephone Volunteer.

 

"Many thanks for involving me in your project. I spoke to all the people allocated to me and I really enjoyed the conversation. Though it took quite a few attempts to contact each one of them, the wait was quite worthwhile. I felt these contacts really needed someone to talk to and all of them opened up their hearts and so it took more than thirty minutes for each call.” Telephone Volunteer

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This project is supported by partnerships developed with the Age Better in Sheffield core team, other ABiS Delivery Partners and community partners and venues.

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