Bayswood to support local foodbanks
New charitable initiative at Bayswood Care
A few days ago, the Alexandra team started collecting for The Pantry, a food bank based in Fleetwood Hospital. The idea came about through the group’s monthly activities meetings on Zoom and each Bayswood home has decided to support its own local food bank. All the Activity Coordinators decided that they wanted to coordinate events that could encompass the group as a whole – to make a bigger impact acting as Bayswood Care, rather than individual homes.
Lots of ideas were brainstormed at the meeting and Alexandra’s Activity Coordinator, Ian, was tasked with creating an event. The team wanted to make the opening event easy and fun for staff to participate in, hence the silly hat/hair/wig day. This happened on Friday 12th April (see photo).
Various charities were mentioned but the Bayswood team liked the idea of collecting food items (instead of money) to be donated to local food banks. The homes have already collected a substantial amount of food and will be running and promoting the initiative until the end of April.
It is an unfortunate reflection of the economy in general, that even many hard-working families are finding it difficult to make ends meet – so are forced to dip into food banks. The cost of childcare, clothes and utilities often means people are faced with a stark choice – heat, clothes or food. Thankfully, the opening of foodbanks and the generosity of communities up and down the country means that those struggling with such choices can sometimes obtain help by accepting small food parcels – mostly comprising everyday essentials. For many people this is not easy to do though, because hard working people aren’t used to having to ask for help! The food banks also try to encourage people who are struggling to accept parcels and for recipients to realise that there is no stigma attached in a country where inflation has priced basic items out of reach of so many.
Alexandra’s Ian says, ‘It's really good to see both staff and residents’ families getting involved. I have contacted The Pantry this week to make them aware of the event and our support. The Pantry’s manager, Mike Smith, is obviously grateful for the additional donations, and we intend to keep posting about the subject on our care homes’ Facebook pages.’
If you are visiting any of the homes in the Bayswood Care Group over the coming month, please don’t forget to bring in your food donations.