Hamberley Care Homes Deliver Hampers Of Happiness

As the cost-of-living crisis intensifies, people living in poverty are turning to community food initiatives for support.

Residents and staff at Richmond Manor, Verwood House, Upton Manor, Nesbit House and Milngavie Manor have collected food hampers for nearby food banks.

They hope that the ‘hampers of happiness’ they have donated will provide a vital lifeline in these difficult times.

Staff at Verwood House delivered their collection to Second Chance Community Support.

Verwood House’s Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Emilia Turner said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the residents, their families and staff.

She said: “Unfortunately, there is a growing need in our community as the cost-of-living crisis bites, and it’s very important to all of us here at Verwood House to reach out and support those who may be going through challenging times.

“Putting our food collection together has given us a lot of happiness thinking that this could be enjoyed by others, giving them a little light in times of need.”

Shelley Rose, who runs Second Chance Community support, said: “We are very touched that residents, their families and staff at Verwood House have made this generous gesture.”

Meanwhile, staff at Milngavie Manor were delighted to offer their generous Harvest Festival collection to the East Dunbartonshire foodbank.

Milngavie Manor’s Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Morag Scott said the donation was all part of the home’s community outreach programme.

Morag said: “Here at Milngavie Manor, we are part of a thriving community, and we always like to step in and help others when we can.

“Everyone wanted to reach out to those most in need this winter, and the foodbanks are desperate for donations. Every item will be well used, and we hope our gift provides some comfort.”

At Upton Manor, staff delivered their Harvest Festival collection to Hope for Food, a local foodbank supporting people in Poole and Bournemouth.

Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Amy Morrison travelled to St Stephen’s Church in Bournemouth to deliver the items.

She said: “Our local community is very important to us here at Upton, so our harvest collection will be supporting people going through tough times.

“As well as our food parcels, our chef has also baked some wonderful cakes, which are always a treat.

“Friends and family, as well as staff, have all chipped in to support the collection, so we hope it will make a difference to those in need locally.”

Over at Richmond Manor, the residents and staff have spent the last few weeks collecting items for their local food bank.

They wanted to help as soon as they heard that their local church, St Andrew’s, had a food collection point in its foyer, just inside the main church door.

Food bank volunteer Stella Brooks set up the food bank more than ten years ago to help those facing a crisis. She was delighted to accept the donation.

She said: “Thank you to everyone at Richmond Manor for the gifts.  All were very gratefully received.  I just wish your residents could have seen the children’s faces when I gave them a huge onion to carry into their house!”

Finally, Nesbit House has been collecting for the Sevenoaks Larder, which helps residents in Sevenoaks, Chevening, Chipstead, Dunton Green, Kemsing, Otford, Riverhead, Seal and Weald.

Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Brooklyn Golding said: “Our local community is very important to us, and we know that many people are struggling to put food on their tables.

“The foodbank is an incredible resource at a time of such need.”