Healthwatch Rochdale supports the Homeless and young people across the Rochdale borough this Christmas
Healthwatch Rochdale have donated brand new items to the value of £100 to the Reaching Out event which took place at Rochdale Infirmary in December. Items donated include shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, gloves, travel mugs and thick socks.
Healthwatch Rochdale also collaborated with their Youthwatch members to understand what gifts would be best for young people in the borough who may not receive much this Christmas. Brand new Items to the value of £100 have additionally been donated based on suggestions from the Youthwatch Rochdale members and have included, stationary sets, hot chocolate gift sets, and personal hygiene gift sets. Healthwatch wanted to ensure that their young people used their voices to help plan the items to purchase.
As a socially responsible organisation Healthwatch Rochdale decided that donating to the event for the homeless and to young people via the toy appeal in place of sending Christmas cards would have a positive impact on the local community whilst reducing any negative environmental impact including reducing their carbon footprints.
Kate Jones, Healthwatch Rochdale CEO, said:
“We recognised that a simple choice not to send Christmas cards and donate to a local cause will help some of the most vulnerable in our borough. We decided to donate to the Reaching Out event and Giving back appeal for young people in place of sending cards as it is a great way to spread some Christmas cheer in an eco-friendly way. We would like to thank all those who would normally receive a Christmas card from us for helping us to sponsor such a worthwhile cause. We do, of course still wish all professionals, our volunteers and residents who have worked with us over the last twelve months a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”.
