Volunteers from leading Cheltenham arm’s length management organisation, Cheltenham Borough Homes have teamed up with charity The Wiggly Worm to provide meals to more than one hundred residents this week.
At this time of year Cheltenham Borough Homes’ (CBH) festive helpers would usually be preparing to host a Christmas party for people in their independent living schemes.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions this year’s party was put on ice, but that wasn’t going to stop employees from spreading a little Christmas cheer and a hearty meal to residents.
Instead, with a little help from their friends at The Wiggly Worm, a leading Gloucestershire based charity creating opportunities for life through food, each person will receive a nutritious and delicious two course meal.
Emma Wall, Executive Director Property & Communities said: “We are all looking at ways to do things differently during COVID-19 and we know how important the Christmas party is to those within our independent living schemes to reduce social isolation. The team looked at ways they could deliver a meal and a festive goodie bag, safely, to those who would usually attend the party and to look out for those more vulnerable living in our schemes.
“They popped flyers through the doors of all residents and asked anyone ringing in if they would like a hot meal, or a meal they could heat up when it suited them. We regularly work with The Wiggly Worm, who do amazing work to bring people together through food. Each resident will receive a meat or vegetable casserole, depending on their preference, and a spiced apple cake for desert along with a festive goodie bag with a Christmas cracker and other treats inside.”
Joanna Scott, Head of Operations at The Wiggly Worm said: “This is a festive season like we’ve never experienced before and so many people are unable to get together with friends and family. Team Wiggly and our volunteers are delighted to serve up a little helping of Christmas cheer and a sprinkling of love to our friends and the residents at Cheltenham Borough Homes.”
Contact the press office on communications@cheltenham.gov.uk | 0800 408 0000