Barchester Healthcare has launched a major new national initiative designed to combat loneliness and support vulnerable people over the festive period. The campaign, titled '12 Ways to Care This Christmas', aims to raise public awareness of the vital work done by carers every day across the United Kingdom.
Spreading Festive Cheer Through Simple Acts
While Christmas is a time of celebration for many, it can amplify feelings of isolation and difficulty for older people and those living alone. In response, Barchester's campaign outlines a dozen practical, compassionate actions that anyone can take, inspired by the routine work of professional carers and nurses. The core message is that small gestures can have a profound impact on someone's wellbeing during the holidays.
The twelve suggested ways to care include:
- Sharing a warm festive chat about simple things to brighten someone's day.
- Including someone in your plans, like inviting a neighbour for a mince pie.
- Offering help with practical tasks such as shopping or gift wrapping.
- Swapping a favourite Christmas memory to encourage connection and joy.
- Bringing a small festive treat as a thoughtful gesture of comfort.
- Adding festive sparkle to a home by putting up a decoration to improve mood.
- Checking in on a neighbour with a simple, caring question.
- Offering a lift to a local event to help overcome mobility barriers.
- Enjoying a game, story, or song together to create intergenerational connection.
- Ensuring someone is warm and comfortable, perhaps with a cosy blanket.
- Helping set up a video call with loved ones to bridge distances.
- Being the reason someone smiles through simple kindness.
Inspiring a New Generation of Carers
Beyond encouraging seasonal goodwill, the initiative has a secondary, crucial aim: to highlight care as a meaningful career path. Barchester hopes that individuals who find fulfilment in supporting others over Christmas might consider a professional role in the care sector, which faces staffing needs in many regions.
Kristy McGrory, Recruitment Marketing Manager at Barchester Healthcare, stated: "Every one of these actions mirrors a real part of what our carers and nurses do daily in Barchester homes. Their compassion and ability to connect with people is what makes care so special."
She added, "When we show care at Christmas, we don't just support older people; we also shine a light on the people who dedicate their lives to caring all year. And if you get real satisfaction from supporting older people over Christmas, you might find caring could be a meaningful career for you too."
A National Awareness Drive
To promote the campaign and its underlying message, Barchester will roll out a series of eye-catching 6-sheet posters throughout December. These will be displayed in high-footfall locations like shopping centres and bus stations, particularly in areas where the need for additional care staff is most acute. The posters will feature several of the "12 Ways to Care" and direct interested people to information about career opportunities in care.
Ultimately, the '12 Ways to Care This Christmas' initiative serves a dual purpose: mobilising community spirit to ensure a kinder festive season for those in need, and casting a spotlight on the rewarding, essential profession of care.
