Our John Weston Fund awarded £2,523 back in 2020 to cover the costs of producing and delivering four newsletters over a full year to its members – over 500 elderly residents across the City who would usually attend social luncheons and other tailored activities.
When the country went into lockdown back in March 2020, the charity decided that its newsletter was one of the most important elements of its work.
The newsletter became the catalyst for not only offering the reassurance and familiarity that people needed but also for promoting other external services that people would find useful to them during such uncertain times. i.e. who to contact regarding shopping services & how to get medicines delivered & how to access their new digital services including exercise classes & online crafts sessions.
A hand-delivered newsletter not just pushed through the door but with a smile at the window clearly made a normal self-isolating day into a much brighter day.
Applicant
There was also an element of normality in the newsletter with activity pages carrying word searches and puzzles to keep minds active. Feedback received both verbally & written has been very positive with multiple comments endorsing the newsletter as a welcome contribution to their wellbeing and something they looked forward to receiving
The newsletter was used to promote the need for more volunteers to sign up and support either delivery of newsletters or telephone befriending.
It was so lovely to see her today as she delivered my newsletter I do miss our lunch club get together but we all need to stay safe. It was lovely to see such a cheery face at my window it brought a smile to my face. After she had gone I enjoyed a nice cup of coffee and read my newsletter. Thank you for thinking of me.
Live at Home Scheme Member
