The festive period is always busy time for the Marble Arch Community Programme. Despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19, our members have been fantastic at supporting those in need this Christmas.
Virtual IT Support with McDonalds
The end of November saw McDonald’s colleagues run two virtual IT support sessions for Open Age North Westminster. The volunteers helped build confidence amongst elderly residents adjusting to the increased need to use technology over the festive period. The sessions covered how to use Zoom and access social media to keep in touch with friends and family.
Local Schools Spread Christmas Cheer
The beginning of December saw 50 Connaught House students create Christmas cards and festive decorations for two local charities. 30 cards and multiple homemade Christmas decorations were sent to the St John’s Hospice. These donations will be distributed amongst the charity’s outpatients and will be used to help decorate their homes. The remaining 20 cards were sent to Neighbourcare, a volunteer charity that supports elderly and isolated residents in the North of Westminster. All the cards have included a short uplifting festive story written by students aged 4-11.
“A huge thank you to the students of Connaught House School, the Christmas cards and decorations will be hugely appreciated. Unfortunately many of our out patients live alone and don’t receive any Christmas cards over the holidays. To receive one of these beautiful cards or decorations will really brighten their day”.
Sophie Gray, St John's Hospice
Similarly, students from Hampden Gurney Primary have also been working hard to spread festive cheer throughout the local community. 45 students aged 4-11 have created personalised Christmas cards for the residents of Penfold Court Care Home. Furthermore, one student will have their work chosen to be the official 2020 Christmas eCard for the Carers Network, a London based charity that provides support services for unpaid carers in Westminster and other adjoining boroughs.
All Christmas cards will have be quarantined by our community partners for at least 72 hours before being distributed out to their service users.
A huge thank you to all our BID members who have supported the Community Programme throughout 2020.
Explore more stories about our Community Programme and local volunteering opportunities.
