Christmas Boxes
To support and make links with families who are struggling financially around Christmas.Benefits of Wellbeing/craft bags, kit and packs.
Staying connected has a strong positive impact on physical and mental health and personal resilience. Social distancing restrictions have made staying connected difficult, particularly for those who do not have the technology to connect virtually. buzz has found innovative ways to address this. Distributing wellbeing bags, kits and packs helps people who may not be able to stay connected through technology feel connected with their community. The bags remind people that social support is available and gives them a sense of belonging, both of which have been shown to improve wellbeing and resilience. Receiving functional social support i.e. the bags, has also been shown to have emotional value and be interpreted as emotional support.
Location
Withington & Old Moat
Didsbury, Burnage & Chorlton Park
Harpurhey, Charlestown & Higher Blackley
Cheetham & Crumpsall
Ancoats, Clayton & Bradford
Project Team
buzz Manchester Health & Wellbeing Service
Old Moat Sure Start Children’s Centre
Burnage Sure Start Children’s Centre
Higher Blackley Sure Start Children’s Centre
Charlestown Sure Start Children’s Centre
Clayton Sure Start Children’s Centre
Woodville Sure Start Children’s Centre
Poppy Soldatos, Tesco Cheetham Hill
Naomi Macdonald, ASDA Eastlands
Aim
To support and make links with families who are struggling financially around Christmas.
Testimonials
Feedback from parents that received their Christmas Boxes via their local Sure Start Children’s Centre.
Alison said she was “Looking forward to pampering herself and was so happy with the pamper pack and that parents were thought of in this way. It was so lovely, lovely things for me.”
Dionne said “You don't realise how much you all do for us; You have helped me so much. I enjoyed the pampering as it was just for me.”
Kathleen said “I really appreciated the pamper things, especially love the biscuits.”
Adrianne said “The Pamper Hamper was a lovely thought, I really enjoyed it.”
Grace said “It was nice to pamper myself when Rachel was in bed, it felt good.”
Candice said “Aw that is nice that you gave me that, because it’s usually the kids that get stuff, I really appreciate it.”
Claire said “It really cheered me up as I was feeling quite down.”
Evaluations
53 families, a total of 212 children and adults, benefitted from receiving a Christmas Box.
Strategic Links
Benefit |
Policy |
Social inclusion |
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Enabling resilient communities |
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Increased mental wellbeing |
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Helping people live healthier lives |
Healthy Lives, Healthy People (MH Government, 2010) The Manchester Locality Plan – A Healthier Manchester |
Addressing health inequalities |
Fair Society, Healthy Lives (Institute of Health Equity, 2010) |
Contact
Dina Pieri
Neighbourhood Health Worker (South Locality),
Start Well Develop Well Team
T.07585 648 713
Brian Goodman
Neighbourhood Health Worker (North Locality),
Start Well Develop Well
T. 0161 271 0566
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Janet, Respiratory Specialist Physiotherapist, MRI
