We are delighted to announce that The McGraw-Hill Companies Community Partners group in London has chosen Friends of the Elderly as its charity of the month for March 2012.

Our partnership will focus on a bake-off for employees in the Canary Wharf office, followed by a sale of the best goods.

Volunteers and clients of Friends of the Elderly will judge the best bakes, and all proceeds raised will go towards our befriending services to reach vulnerable and isolated older people across the country. For further information please contact Katie Truss at katie.truss@fote.org.uk.

Although unable to attend the ceremony himself, Michael said, “I was absolutely flattered to receive this award, it’s a massive surprise.  It’s nice to get the recognition for the care that the whole team at Perrins undertakes.”

Maria Walker, Manager at Perrins House collected the award for Michael on the night and said, “It was a wonderful evening and everyone at Friends of the Elderly is absolutely delighted for Michael.  He really is a brilliant, one-in-a-million carer, who pays attention to all the details.  I am so glad I was able to collect the award on his behalf.”

Commenting on exactly why Michael received the accolade, the judging panel said, “Michael demonstrated a real understanding of person-centred care and the uniqueness of each individual he cares for.  He demonstrated a calm, assured approach to his work and comes across as a warm and genuine care worker.”

The ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, was hosted by TV star Alison Hammond and compered by actor and entertainer Steve Walls.

Lisa Carr, Director of the Great British Care Awards said, “These awards recognise and pay tribute to the efforts and dedication of all those who work tirelessly to ensure that so many people are able to live independent lives…They are the perfect showcase to reflect on best practice in the social care sector. A sector where people truly dedicate themselves to their work and take pride in their achievements. “

The Great West Midlands Care Awards are supported by the Department of Health and are part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of regional awards which celebrates excellence in social care throughout England.  The awards are all-inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers. 

Winners from the regional awards are invited to attend the national finals, which take place in May and June 2012 at a prestigious venue in London.

Meanwhile, another member of the Perrins House team, Margaret Goodacre, has recently completed 40 years with the charity. Receiving a Long-Service Award and flowers at a celebratory lunch in London, Margaret said, “I love my work with Friends of the Elderly and the residents of Perrins.  I get real job satisfaction.  When I started work here, mainly because my mother was working here and it was close to my home, who was to know that I’d still be here over 40 years later?”

Norma Clayton, Friends of the Elderly’s Head of Human Resources, said,“Organisationally, we aspire to excellence and are well aware that our most valuable asset is our staff team.  Last year we successfully achieved the prestigious Investors in People accolade, which demonstrates our commitment to helping staff achieve the highest standards of care.  Michael and Margaret’s awards, though different in nature, embody these values.”

£7.68 p.h.

Part-Time (8 hours per week initially, with the intention to increase) and Bank Vacancies. Required to work bank holidays and weekends.

Based in Malvern as a member of the Friends at Home Malvern service, you will live locally and work in the community to provide practical help and emotional support to individuals in their own homes.

A genuine empathy for older people, a cheerful personality, good communication skills and your own transport is essential.

Home Support Worker job description

Closing Date: Friday 24th February 2012

For more information please call Jane Bell on 01684 897797 or email malvern@friendsathome.fote.org.uk.

Friends of the Elderly is an equal opportunities employer.

Registered charity no: 226064

Following our survey and video, asking people what Christmas means to them, the country’s biggest-selling newspaper launched
their push on with X Factor’s Stacey Solomon visiting a Christmas party part-funded by our Supporting Friends service.  The campaign was rounded off with a special two-page feature on Christmas Eve

We have been overwhelmed with offers of help, enquiries about volunteering and, of course,donations.  Thank you so much for all your generosity.

Of course we know that isolation and loneliness are not confined to one day but are real issues all-year round.

We understand that people are incredibly busy, but the key messages of the Christmas campaign remain the same.  We urge people to get more involved with older people around them – small things such as checking in on an older neighbour, popping a card through their door or having a chat with an older person at the shops is enjoyable, only takes a moment and can make a real difference.

Rather than leave it to the few, if we all do a little bit then a lot will get done.

Read the survey results for our key findings.

Just as at any time of the year, Christmas with Friends of the Elderly is full of warmth, with stimulating activities for each of our residents and day club members.

Our day centres and homes have already begun celebrating with Christmas lunches and parties. Several services have arranged for local schools to come in and sing carols, often visiting individual rooms for those unable to access a central concert. Bell ringers, Christmas bazaars, visits to the shops to see Christmas lights and loads more other festive entertainments have also been arranged.

Staff and volunteers at our Homes and Services work hard to make Christmas a special time for our residents and beneficiaries. This year many of our volunteers will be phoning those spending Christmas alone, while several of our central office staff and trustees spent a day last week wrapping gifts and writing cards to send out. Our Supporting Friends service is also giving grants to community groups organising Christmas dinner for isolated older people.

The Sun newspaper has joined with us to highlight the effects of isolation on older people, as well as encouraging people to make a difference by getting involved with older people around them. For example, checking in on an older neighbour in the cold weather, sending a Christmas card, stopping for a chat with an older person or inviting an older neighbour in for a Christmas drink can make a world of difference to a lonely older person.

To find out more about our Christmas campaign please click here.

Following our survey and video, asking people what Christmas means to them, the country’s biggest-selling newspaper launched their push on Saturday, with X Factor’s Stacey Solomon visiting a Christmas party part-funded by our Supporting Friends service.

We understand that people are incredibly busy today, and especially at Christmas, but we urge people to get more involved with the older people around them – small things such as simply checking in on an older neighbour regularly, popping a card through their door or having a chat with an older person at the shops is enjoyable, only takes a moment and can make a real difference. Rather than leave it to the few, if we all do a little bit then a lot will get done. 

Take a look at our Office Olympics supporter’s pack to see how it easy it is for you and your colleagues to get involved in raising money by holding The Games in your office. We’ve even tried and tested some of the events to show you how it’s done!

If you would like to stage your own Office Olympics, contact Laura Grimsley on 0207 598 1130 or email laura.grimsley@fote.org.uk. 

Click here to download your Office Olympics Pack.

Telephone – 020 7730 8263
(Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Email the fundraising team at: enquiries@fote.org.uk

Write to us at:

Supporter Services
Friends of the Elderly
40-42 Ebury Street
London
SW1W 0LZ

If you would like your donation to go towards a particular service or home, or in memory of a particular person, please just advise us of your wishes.

Send us your old handsets and help us raise money through our recycling scheme.  If you have any unused mobile phones please send them to:

Friends of the Elderly Recycling Appeal
FREEPOST
LON10034

London
SW1W 0JY