'Spread A Little Sunshine' gift is extended to Hartlepool's care homes and here's how

The scheme called Spread A Little Sunshine was a huge success and adult carers in lockdown became the next to benefit from the scheme.

Now it is being extended again and this time it is the care homes of Hartlepool which will be included.

Carers chief executive Christine Fewster said: “Family carers are worried about their loved ones and support teams contracting the virus and the inability to visit on a regular basis.

“We understand the difficulties many residential homes face and we are pleased to provide activity packs across the town.”

The packs going to the care homes include a herb garden and sunflowers, art and craft materials, sensory materials, games such as playing cards and dominoes, help with baking, and nail and foot care.

Christine added: “We hope this supports our frontline support workers, enabling residential homes to keep their spirits up throughout the pandemic.”

The Hartlepool Mail told earlier this month how 12,000 people were caring for loved ones in the town during the pandemic lockdown.

But Hartlepool Carers is helping in numerous ways including its ‘Care for a Cuppa’ session which is a virtual weekly get together every Wednesday at 10am, available by visiting the Hartlepool Carers Facebook page.

There is also a service offering advice over the phone and the Carers has a buddy system. People can also access the group on (01429) 283095.

And another new addition to the facilities is a scheme called Carers Connect Service which it is running in conjunction with Care for a Call.

The new service is aimed at supporting carers who have difficulties in accessing or engaging in the community due to their caring role or issues arising from it, such as lack of confidence or because they have become socially isolated.

To sign up for the service, call (01429) 283095 or email [email protected].

Those interested do need to be registered with Hartlepool Carers, but people can do that by calling the carers phone number.

For the latest coronavirus updates, including case numbers, visit the Hartlepool Mail website.

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