Hug in a Mug Project Helps Older People Stay Warm

MHA Communities Horsforth is a neighbourhood network scheme that provides services and support for over 60s in the Horsforth area. They aim to prevent social isolation and promote independence. They received a Stay Well this Winter grant for their ‘Hug in a mug’ project. 

“We have received funding which enabled us to reach out to all of our members and check on their health and wellbeing. The funding allowed us to be able to give a personalised ‘hug in a mug pack’ with information on how to stay warm, a thermos mug and little treats. 

The feedback was overwhelming. One gentleman is now able to take a cup of tea to bed without spilling/burning himself a luxury that he hasn’t had since his wife passed away. Another gentleman was so grateful, he has no family and never receives presents, and he made himself a drink immediately.

Absolutely everyone was happy with the pack and like the fact that they are now able to take hot drinks upstairs at bedtime. Our members were touched and felt thought about and staff were happy to be able to give and bring a smile to our members’ faces.” 

When asked about the challenges they’re currently facing as an organisation, they said “Keeping in contact with our inactive members is a struggle, that is why knocking on doors and handing out a ‘hug in a mug’ pack was so beneficial.” 

Looking to the future, they say “We are thinking about subsidised meals and ways of keeping in frequent contact and building solid relationships between us, our members and the wider community. We aim to build on our community connections.” 

When it comes to funding, they say their needs are “funding to make transport affordable to get people into the scheme where they can have a hot, freshly cooked meal and keep warm.”