A charity dedicated to helping older people enjoy later life has been keeping members’ spirits up and helping them stay well throughout the covid pandemic.

Ravenshead-based Cornwater Evergreens usually welcomes members to its Friendship Club and Memory Club several times a week, but with social distancing in force they’ve had to adapt.

Melissa Blythe, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Part of our mission is to prevent social isolation in older people, so bringing our services to a halt simply isn’t an option for our members.

“We quickly changed how we do things to keep some consistency in the members’ routine, provide safe social contact, and make sure they have the necessities.”

Since the beginning of April, Melissa and her colleague, Sarah, have been delivering weekly food parcels to members, packed with fresh fruit and vegetables as well as staples such as teabags, milk, butter, tinned goods and toilet roll. Every package also includes a few treats, such as chocolate, toiletries and flowers.

Knowing that a lot of their members enjoy feeding the birds, the Cornwater Evergreen parcels often include seed too.
Thanks to Ashfield Dementia Action Alliance, members living with dementia have been given activity packs to stimulate creativity and enhance their wellbeing.

“We deliver up to 43 parcels every week with the support of our two daughters, who are donating their time to help with packing and delivery, helping reduce social contact for us all,” said Melissa.

“Of course, we adhere strictly to hygiene and social distancing guidelines when we make our deliveries, but a friendly face and quick chat is a real tonic to our members who might not see or speak to many others all week.”

Cornwater quickly set up regular telephone calls to its members and carers too to give people the chance to chat and to provide much-needed reassurance and support.

Alan, a member of Cornwater’s Friendship Club, said: “Thank you so much for your kindness. I am very grateful that you think of me, bringing me a food parcel each week and ringing me to see that I am managing during this unusual time.

“I really appreciate your kindness and support. I am looking forward to being able to see all of my friends again when we can return to Cornwater.”

Cornwater has received funding from Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, the Thomas Farr Charity, Nottinghamshire County Council and the Severn Trent Community Fund plus support from local clubs and businesses.