It is around this time of year when participants on our Activate Seniors programme would enjoy a Christmas lunch at Stamford Bridge and socialise with fellow participants.However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions that are in place, the annual event at the Bridge has been cancelled.

Foundation coaches were still keen to show their support and have been on hand to deliver the hampers in a bid to give participants a lift ahead of what may be a difficult time for many within our community.Funded through our Social Inclusion and Activate Senior programmes, the hampers were filled with long-lasting foods, a host of Chelsea themed goodies and Chelsea’s Winter Family and Senior Wellbeing resource packs.

Activate Seniors participant Ian said: ‘Many thanks to the Chelsea Foundation for the generous package of goodies. I’ve really enjoyed the over-50s exercise classes and it’s been great to have a regular session that I know will do me good.‘I do miss the social aspect of the classes when they’re not held at the doctor’s surgery, they were a good laugh as well as good for me but the Zoom classes are good too, especially as it’s now weekly and it prods me into doing the exercises instead of putting them off!‘The package of goodies that arrived is really the icing on the cake. The idea of a social event for Christmas at Stamford Bridge sounds great, but in the light of current conditions, I understand why it’s not possible.‘To have this package of store-cupboard staples on hand is a great idea, especially with the uncertain times ahead, although the shortbread biscuits may not live to see 2021!’

The Youth Action Alliance, an organisation which supports the personal and social development of young people living in North Kensington, were also given hampers which will be distributed to families who may be struggling over the Christmas period.Social Inclusion project officer Callum Salhotra said: ‘It was great for Chelsea Foundation to be involved in the Winter Wellbeing hampers supporting our local communities and providing much needed support and relief for some during these times.

‘The recipients were extremely grateful to be given the hampers as they got to see a friendly face and have a chat.‘It also helped to ease the pressure of having to go out during these unprecedented times where going to the shops can be daunting.‘It was great to work as a team and collaborate with other areas of the Foundation, packing and delivering the hampers.’