Due to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, a number of the people that we support at United Response in Kingston and Richmond will sadly not be able to see their families for Christmas Day this year, and so we are organising a morning of festive activities online to boost their spirits and ensure that Christmas Day can still be a fun-filled day where they can connect with their friends to celebrate together, albeit online.

We will be organising a range of virtual activities such as carol singing, musical bingo, quizzes and games and we thought it would be a lovely idea to send the people we support a surprise care package full of treats and gifts to open on Christmas Day to help spread some festive cheer. Alongside the people we support, we are also planning on sending out a similar package to the incredible Support Workers who will be working on Christmas Day to support the group too.

It would mean so much if you were able to make a small contribution to this care package and help spread some Christmas cheer on what will no doubt be a tough time for so many. So far we have received corporate support from Haribo, Greggs, Konditor and Montezuma's who will kindly be donating sweets, mince pies and chocolate for this care package, and we also have some outstanding asks out with other companies.

At United Response, we are committed to making life better for people with mild and profound learning disabilities, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and mental health needs. Whilst the lockdown has had a huge impact for us all, it has been even harder for those with learning disabilities, with many of the people we support having reported feeling increasingly lonely and anxious. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, they were more likely to experience poorer health, loneliness and poverty, and this has only been compounded by the lockdown measures. By organising the Christmas Day activities and presents, we hope to help them feel less alone this festive period, and so any contribution you are able to give will be hugely appreciated.

Thank you