The Cambridgeshire community has rallied around some of its most vulnerable residents, with a number of businesses and individuals donating thoughtful gifts to support people during lockdown, according to a local charitable housing association.

CHS Group offers affordable housing to over 7,000 tenants, and helps a further 2,000 people through its care, support and community investment services.

Homebase and Scotsdales Garden & Nurseries donated a variety of flowers and plants to the charity’s residential care homes in Cambridge, bringing joy and smiles to both staff and residents. Meanwhile, John Lewis & Partners, provided chocolate-filled goody bags to staff and residents.

Cambridge-based online-marketplace specialist, Velocity Commerce has pledged to deliver gifts to CHS Group’s residents in supported housing whose birthdays fall within this period of isolation, and are unable to celebrate with their friends and family. Each resident is able to select a gift worth up to £50 from the company’s eBay store, ranging from internet radios to lego cars.

Further support has seen protective face shields and visors made and delivered free to local care home staff.

Nigel Howlett, CHS Group’s Chief Executive, commented:

In the most challenging of circumstances, communities must find new ways to pull together and unite. In the current climate of coronavirus and social distancing, the need to connect with the local community’s most vulnerable is more pronounced than ever. It’s heartwarming to see a range of people and businesses coming together in different ways to support those who really need help in times such as these. Every gesture or donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated, and goes a long way to promoting the values of togetherness and solidarity that we foster at CHS.

Image: Resident at a CHS Group residential care home receiving their flower donation from Homebase, Cambridge

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