Three Rivers Small Acts of Kindness

Updated: 10 December 2019

Three Rivers District Council is an ambassador for the charity “Small Acts of Kindness.” The charity works throughout Hertfordshire to reduce loneliness and isolation for older people.

Three Rivers District Council is an ambassador for the charity “Small Acts of Kindness.” The charity works throughout Hertfordshire to reduce loneliness and isolation for older people.

The bags contain practical items such as fleece, thermal hat, gloves and socks as well as a packet of biscuits and some hot drinks. Being cold can aggravate health conditions and puts people at increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and falls.

Council staff have been working closely with colleagues from Herts Constabulary and the Fire Service to nominate people and deliver bags to residents who need Winter Warmer bags. Working in partnership has helped ensure that residents who are isolated are offered the correct support, or put in touch with local groups to help reduce loneliness.

Over the last two weeks over 100 bags have been delivered by the partnership to residents across Three Rivers.

Andy Stovold, Head of Community Partnerships, said: “Working with Small Acts of Kindness and our partners is key to tackling social isolation. Loneliness has a significant impact on a person’s well-being and mental health, particularly at this festive time of year. We hope that the delivery of these bags reminds our residents that they are not alone.”

Group Commander for Watford and Three Rivers Fire & Rescue Service, Trevor Brown, said: “We’ve been working with Small Acts of Kindness through the Older Persons Activity, Learning and Safety (OPALS) events that are run by the Fire Service. This joint initiative has allowed us to go one step further and offer fire safety and wellbeing visits to the residents we deliver bags to.”

If you know someone who is aged over 55 in Hertfordshire in need of a winter warmer bag, please request one via:  www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk

If you want to find out what support services or activities are available in your local area, or don’t know where to turn, contact Herts Help on 0300 123 4044 or visit www.hertshelp.net