Small acts of kindness could make all the difference this winter

Older people struggling to keep warm this winter and those affected by rising fuel costs are being helped by a scheme which is offering gift bags full of useful items.

The bags are being given out by Three Rivers District Council in conjunction with local charity Small Acts of Kindness  and contain practical items such as a fleece blanket, thermal hat and gloves, hot drinks, soup and porridge as well as an information pack providing help, support and opportunities to join local activities.

Many older people struggle to keep warm when the weather turns cold. Small Acts of Kindness aims each winter to source and distribute up to 10,000 Warm in Winter gift bags that will help older people keep warm in their homes.

Residents are being invited by the council to help nominate people who would benefit from receiving a bag.

If you would like to help deliver them please email partnerships@threerivers.gov.uk

The council wants to work with residents to ensure those people who are isolated are offered the correct support, or put in touch with local groups to help reduce loneliness. The council is working with Small Acts of Kindness and other partners to deliver bags to residents across Three Rivers.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the Leader of the Council, said: “Three Rivers District Council has worked with Small Acts of Kindness to distribute Warm in Winter Bags for more than three years and we know how well received they are and the impact these bags have in the community. This winter people are going to feel the cold more than ever and if you, or someone you know, are aged 55 and over and are struggling to keep warm at home, please contact the council and we can arrange for a bag to be delivered.”

Staff at the council have also been helping pack Bags of Kindness which, at a time of heightened awareness of the cost of living, are also being given out to support local people. The gift bags include essential items and an information pack. The project began in response to the Covid pandemic, to give 3,000 gift bags to clinically vulnerable people throughout Hertfordshire and has continued as a valuable service for those in need.

For more information visit: https://www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk/our-projects

Warm in winter gift bags can be collected from:

• Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, WD3 1RL

Monday - Friday between 9am and 4pm

• Oxhey Library, Bridlington Road, South Oxhey, WD19 7AG

Every Thursday between 9.30am and 5pm

• Methodist Church, Berry Lane, WD3 7HJ

Every Tuesday between 12 and 2pm

• Hillside Hub, 4A School Mead, Abbotts Langley, WD5 0LB

Every Wednesday between 9am and 5pm