On Tuesday 26th November, ten Harpenden BS colleagues volunteered for Small Acts of Kindness (SAOK). SAOK are a charity that source and distribute practical gifts to older people in Hertfordshire.
A major project that SAOK undertake every year leading up to the winter months involves packing ‘Warm in Winter’ gift bags. These bags help those in the local community who may be struggling heating their homes. For some, these gift bags can be a life saver, reaching those who are having to make the unthinkable choice between heating their home or buying food.
Not only does the cold weather provide serious health risks for older people, it also has a negative impact on a person’s mental wellbeing including loneliness, depression and anxiety. These gift bags act as an intervention that can help reduce the risks that older people face when they are cold.
The ‘Warm in Winter’ gift bags contain essential, practical, keep warm items including a fleece blanket, thermal hat, gloves and socks, a mug, hot drinks, soup and porridge. They also contain SOAK’s comprehensive ‘Purple Pages’ information pack which is full of literature signposting to relevant support, services and activities, helping to break the cycle that loneliness and isolation can bring.
In addition to the practical items, each bag includes a handwritten message from the person who packed the gift bag. This ‘Message of Kindness’ provides a personal connection to the recipient and provides a positive impact on those who may be feeling lonely.
All gift bags are distributed free of charge to people aged over 55 across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
Recipients of ‘Warm in Winter’ gift bags:
• Are warmer in their homes with the associated reduced risk of cold-related illness or seasonal death.
• Feel less lonely and isolated.
• Have increased feelings of wellbeing.
• Are better connected to their community.
Our colleagues attended two separate sessions (morning and afternoon) where they worked with other volunteers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. As always, it was enlightening to see all the hard work that goes into packing and distributing these bags. The fantastic work SAOK do provides a much need lifeline to those who will be struggling this winter. Our team had a great time and are very proud to play a part in the process.
