This Manchester GP surgery team spent Christmas Eve dropping presents off for elderly patients
Staff members at a Manchester GP surgery dedicated their Christmas Eve this year to dropping off gifts for elderly patients.
Dr Salman Shahid and his team went from door to door on December 24; chatting to the community whilst offering support to those who’d recently lost a family member.
BBC Radio Manchester shared images of the GP surgery team heading out over Christmas, with Dr Shahid explaining that the “central idea of the program was to spread hope and positivity.”
Dr Shahid called the initiative a “humble effort to spread love” throughout Manchester.
Increased focus is now turning towards the mental wellbeing of vulnerable people during the pandemic, with charities experiencing a higher volume of calls during lockdowns.
Greater Manchester has been under social restrictions since July – leaving many cut off from friends and family.
That’s why the festive gesture of Dr Shahid and his team is so important and meaningful for many local people in the area.
And their work is not over yet, either.
The doctor added: “We will continue to tackle mental health of our patients during COVID.”
Mental health support is available from the following organisations:
- Manchester Mind – An organisation that has supported people in Manchester for over 30 years. Most services are now available over the phone, by email or video call. Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
- The GM Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – The local NHS helpline is open 24/7 which you can call any time, day or night, if you feel your mental health is beginning to suffer: 0800 953 0285 .
- CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably supports people via phone and webchat. You can call 0800 58 58 58 or speak to a support worker online. Open 5pm to midnight.
- Samaritans – The Manchester & Salford Samaritans offer emotional support by telephone and email. The phone lines and email support are available 24/7. Call 116 123 or visit the website.