Bexley Boxes to help housebound residents this winter
London borough’s most vulnerable will receive a book of goods aimed at keeping them warm, provided by local businesses and partners.
This winter in Bexley, local councillors, council staff and a team of volunteers will be busy filling and delivering Bexley Boxes to those in need.
Photo by Jess Bailey
The idea behind the scheme is to ensure that vulnerable, housebound and elderly residents across the borough keep warm over winter. The boxes will be filled with essentials for the season, such as porridge, tinned goods, scarves, hats and warm socks. They will also include a list of useful contacts and winter well-being advice – as well as a special festive treat.
The Bexley Boxes initiative is to be largely funded by donations from local businesses, with some support coming through the latest allocation of the Household Support Fund (HSF) from the Department for Work and Pensions. Trusted community organisations such as doctors’ surgeries and local groups will help to make contact with qualifying residents, so that as many residents as possible can benefit.
The scheme will start later this month.
Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of Bexley London Borough Council, says: ‘Many older Bexley residents have been affected by the Government’s decision to cut in the winter fuel payment. We care about our older people, they are an important part of our community, but winter can be a cold and very lonely time for those older residents who are unable to leave their homes.
‘I hope that these boxes will bring a bit of light into the lives of someone who may not be able to get out and about. Just to know you are being thought of and recognised can be the highlight of someone’s day. We want to make sure our most vulnerable Bexley residents know they are remembered. It is just one way we can continue to #MakeBexleyEvenBetter.’
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