Communities asked to pull together to help decorate Greater Manchester care homes this Christmas

Communities in Greater Manchester are being asked to pull together to help make the festive season extra special for the region’s care home residents this year.

Millennium Care Group – which looks after seven care homes in Greater Manchester – is calling on the public to help brighten up the spirits and “save Christmas” for the residents, staff and families who have struggled throughout the year due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

The group raising funds to turn the outside of each care home into their own winter wonderland with Christmas trees, lights and decorations.

Millennium Care Group‘s seven care homes are located in Wigan, Bury, and Chorley.

The group was one of the first to install COVID-safe visitation lodges to keep residents connected with their families through the pandemic, however, plans to temporarily convert the pods into Christmas lodges were scrapped because of the infection control risk.

A spokesperson said: “It has undoubtedly been a difficult year for everybody during the COVID pandemic, particularly for care homes,

“As Christmas draws near, what would typically be an occasion full of celebrations and family gatherings, has been dimmed by lockdowns and safety concerns.”

The homes plan to host special Christmas Light Switch On events.

These can can be celebrated by home residents and staff, shared live over social media for families to be involved, and also host special light drive throughs for the resident’s family members, but, as the group concedes, it “won’t be an easy feat”.

And this is why the homes are asking for support from their local communities to donate and help in any way possible, as “even a small gesture will go a long way to make a big impact”.

A target of £500 has been set and any donations can be made via the JustGiving page here.