Spring-themed treats for older residents

Back in December 2020, we supported St Werburghs Community Centre with £500 to run their ‘Festive Friends’ project, delivering free Christmas lunches and cheers to older people living in Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill in Bristol. 

It was a big success, so we wanted to support the centre again, but this time at Easter.  

Volunteers delivered spring-themed treats to 104 older people at risk of isolation – each person received a meal, freshly made pudding, spring bulbs, an Easter egg, a card made by a local primary school student, and, most importantly, a socially-distanced catch-up on their doorstep. 

One resident said: “The food was delicious. I haven’t had a meal like that in a long time. I’m going to write a reply to the lovely letter I received from the local primary school students.”  

Jess Atherton, events manager, added: “We’ve loved being able to reach out to older people with this event. It comes at a time when making connections with other people is at its most important.” 

33 volunteers said they felt more belonging to their neighbourhood as a result of the project, which was also supported by John James Bristol Foundation and Charities Aid Foundation.  

Daisy Mummery, our Community Development Officer said: “This project generated £524,199 of Social Value. It was great to bring spring happiness to people’s homes, helping to prevent loneliness.” 

Find out more about the work our Communities team does – including employment, training, money and digital support – by visiting our Thriving Communities page.