Christmas is typically a time of togetherness, as we celebrate the festive season with friends and family. Yet over two million older people in the UK spend Christmas alone (Age UK). As shops and services close for the Christmas period, they often find themselves feeling increasingly isolated.
This winter, the Rainbow Foundation are raising vital funds to replace their minibus, a lifeline for those living alone that enables them to provide transport to their three wellbeing hubs in Penley, Chirk and Marchwiel centres, which offer warmth and friendship to Wrexham’s older generation, as well as the opportunity for clients to access the care and support they need to remain living independently.
CEO Caroline Tudor-James says “as funding for public services is limited, we are seeing that it is the most vulnerable people in our communities who are most impacted. With diminishing transport links, they are becoming more and more isolated, living their lives in a permanent lockdown.”
“This is why our community transport offer is so important as it allows the most vulnerable people in our communities to access services, providing a freedom and level of independence which would otherwise be out of reach.”
The Wrexham-based charity previously had 4 vehicles in permanent use across the community but due to the age and reliability of their fleet, are now down to only two reliable vehicles.
Caroline adds “The reality is that if we are not able to raise enough funds through charity partnership with local businesses and community fundraising, we will need to reduce the level of support we are able to offer, directly impacting our clients and service. This is something we want to avoid at all costs which is why we are asking for help.”
Your support will help us support more people like Billy. Billy was in his 80’s when he started caring for his twin, Neville, who was terminally ill. When Neville died Billy was left alone and with no support. The Rainbow Foundation initially provided practical support, replacing broken lightbulbs, stocking the fridge and helping Billy complete the, often, complicated paperwork required to access vital financial support. They also encouraged him to their Rainbow Day Opportunities Service where Billy found friendship and regained his confidence and sense of purpose.
Hayley Scott, falls prevention practitioner and dementia ambassador at The Rainbow Foundation, worked with Billy and says, “Billy had no family, but he always said that finding Rainbow meant he never felt alone. While we were with our families, many older people spent this Christmas on their own, having a microwave meal for one rather than a Christmas Dinner with loved ones.”
Billy passed away in October this year, aged 92. The Rainbow Foundation helped make his last years happier. Billy himself said, “My life has been made 100% better by Rainbow. Loneliness is the worst thing, going to Rainbow totally changed my life.” Hayley adds, “Billy’s last Christmas was a happy one and I’m just so glad we were part of his life, and he became part of our Rainbow family.”
For more details on the Rainbow Foundation’s Winter Appeal or to donate, please visit their JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/rainbowfoundationwinterappeal
