What everyone needs at this time of year is someone to help ease the stress of Christmas shopping. That’s exactly what two of our St Catherine’s Nursing home residents found when they took a trip to Gateshead’s Metrocentre with their ‘personal shoppers’.
Family Liaison Manager, Joanne Bulford, and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Nicola Milne, accompanied residents Rose and Helen on a special day out to stock up on Christmas cards and a few personal items.
The tour of the shops was also an opportunity for lunch in Debenhams and, later, a quick break for a cuppa and a cake in M&S.
“Rose had only been to the Metrocentre once,” said Nicola, ”so she noticed a lot of changes since her last visit, and Helen had forgotten just how big it is. Fortunately, we’d arranged with the centre for a couple of wheelchairs to be provided, so they were able to have a good tour of the shops without tiring themselves out.”
“Initially this personal shopper service will be available to our nursing home residents in the run up to Christmas, but it is something we are keen to continue. Supporting older people to maintain as much independence as possible is a perfect example of the volunteering opportunities we offer with the charity.”
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with St Cuthbert’s Care, you can contact Nicola on 0191 228 0111 or by email at enquiries@stcuthbertscare.org.uk