The Snow Angels from Colshaw Farm Estate welcomed local MP George Osborne to find out more about the support they provide to older people living on their estate, thanks to recent investment of £25,000 from People's Heath Trust.
The Snow Angels are a group of local people from the community who provide practical help and support for older people living on Colshaw Farm Estate during periods of cold weather, and help with energy saving in the warmer months. This can include giving advice on keeping warm and well, helping with shopping trips and medicine delivery, providing benefits allowance advice, or just being a friendly face for people who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
Cathy Boyd, Co-Director of Snow Angels CIC, said: "It is so important for older people to take part in the community, but it can be harder for them to get out and about sometimes – especially during the winter months. This is a new project for the area and the Snow Angels' volunteers are learning new skills and providing support to others. We are delighted with the initial response and will be building the project through the next two years."
George Osborne MP, said: "The things the volunteers do to help the Colshaw community is fantastic – clearing paths in the neighbourhood in bad weather, helping to take residents to the doctor and generally helping elderly and vulnerable residents. This epitomises the best of the local community.
"It was good to have a real conversation about what more we can do to improve things locally and I am going to follow up many of the Snow Angels' ideas."
John Hume, Chief Executive, People's Health Trust, said: "Snow Angels is a fantastic idea. For the local people helping out, it means new friendships, skills and experience. For the older people living on the Colshaw Farm Estate, the support can be a real lifeline in the winter, when everyday tasks are so much more difficult, and when some extra company is really needed. We're delighted to be able to support this project."
People's Health Trust is an independent charity helping to address health inequalities across Great Britain. It works closely with HealthReward, a Community Interest Company committed to prioritising and raising money for health inequalities in North West England, distributing grants.
The £25,000 provided to Snow Angels came from money raised by HealthReward through the Health Lottery, which is operated for and on behalf of 51 Community Interest Companies across England, Scotland and Wales.
Photo: George Osborne having a cup of tea with local resident, Christine Atherton.
