United in Hammersmith and Fulham
Warmer Together: The Big H&F Community Christmas Lunch
Loneliness and isolation is a huge difficulty for many of 19000 residents aged over 65 in Hammersmith & Fulham. Over half have a long-term health problem or disability, 25% live in poverty, 43% live alone. We will provide vital funds for Christmas lunches delivered to doors and to help cope in the colder months
It ran from 12:00 PM, 1 December 2020 to 12:00 PM, 8 December 2020
Registered Charity in England and Wales (1187649)
Match funded Campaign target
£9,750
Amount raised
£10,185
Donations
105
Location
United Kingdom
Campaign overview
Aims
Where's the money going?
Impact & reporting
“Please can you donate towards giving older people who’ll be alone at Christmas a great Christmas Day lunch? Thank you to the residents, businesses and charities who are backing the Big H&F Community Christmas to ensure that no-one in our borough is left out.”
— Ben Coleman, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, H&F Council
"I usually attend the meal at the town hall because I live alone, but this year it's so different. It makes me so happy to know someone is still looking out of us, it's something to look forward to."
— 70-year old blind H&F resident
“This week, one donation can have twice the impact. We are proud to be part of a compassionate community and to be matching funds for older people in H&F this Christmas.”
— The McGrath Charitable Trust
Situation
Of the 19,000 residents aged over 65 in Hammersmith & Fulham, over half have a long-term health problem or disability. 25% live in poverty. 43% live alone. Many struggle to keep well and prevent the risk of sickness (including dehydration from over-heating), struggle to pay their bills as the need for fuel increases (sometimes even choosing between 'heating' and 'eating'), and many lack connectivity, leaving them isolated and more vulnerable. These challenges are exacerbated by the pandemic.
Solution
We will be a funding lifeline to enable local services to stay active this winter, and ensure those on the fringes in our neighbourhood receive vital extra support they need in the colder months. Last year this was piloted and we helped 278 people, including 69 year-old 'David' who is blind and had a Christmas meal: “I live alone and often don’t meet anyone for days. To be able to socialise and have such a lovely meal financed brings joy to my life” With Big Give we can do more.
