Police spread Christmas cheer

Officers at Devon and Cornwall Police have been helping to spread some Christmas cheer this week as they pack up goodie bags for vulnerable older people.

Working in partnership with Neighbourhood Friends at Westbank the volunteers put together 140 Christmas goodie bags which will be distributed to some of the most vulnerable people across Exeter, East and Mid Devon. 

Donated gifts include Christmas food, toiletries, books as well as crime prevention advice and fire safety information. Police staff, officers and Westbank colleagues have contributed generous hamper goodies at collection points across the Exeter area over the past month.

PS Sally Kingdon, Devon Diverse Communities Team Leader said; “Putting together and distributing the Christmas goodie bags has been a great way to reach some of the most vulnerable and elderly members of our local communities. It's also given us the opportunity to distribute some valuable advice around keeping safe and crime prevention as well as seeking feedback about our organisation. We know Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for the elderly and we hope this partnership project will benefit some of those most in need."

Julie Phillips, Volunteer Project Development Manager, Westbank said; "Westbank were thrilled to be asked to be a partner in the Christmas hamper campaign with Devon and Cornwall Police. The hampers will benefit many of our clients who are alone or in need this Christmas. We are delighted to be delivering these wonderful contributions over the next two weeks"

In addition, Westbank Community Health and Care have recently been awarded more funds by partners (Devon and Cornwall Police, St Thomas Bowling Club, Exeter West Lions, Exeter City Councillors and Devon County Councillors) to assist their Memory cafés to ensure there is a friendly and welcoming place for older people to visit.

To find out more about Neighbourhood Friends please visit this website https://www.westbank.org.uk/neighbourhood-friends

For information on crime prevention https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/News/newsarticle.aspx?id=4439a373-5...