Healthwatch Rochdale supports the homeless this Christmas

The local healthcare watchdog has donated brand new items to the value of £100 including shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, gloves, travel mugs and thick socks

Healthwatch Rochdale has donated goods to the Christmas event for local homeless people at Rochdale Infirmary tonight (Wednesday 8 December), in place of sending Christmas cards.

The local healthcare watchdog has donated brand new items to the value of £100 including shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, gloves, travel mugs and thick socks, dropping off the goods on Sunday (5 December).

As a socially responsible organisation, Healthwatch Rochdale decided donations would have a positive impact on the local community whilst reducing any negative environmental impact.

Ben Greenwood, Healthwatch Rochdale interim chair of the board, said: “We recognised that a simple choice not to send Christmas cards and donate to a local cause will help some of the most vulnerable in our borough.

“We decided to donate to the event for the homeless in place of sending cards as it is a great way to spread some Christmas cheer in an eco-friendly way. We would like to thank all those who would normally receive a Christmas card from us for helping us to sponsor such a worthwhile cause. For each card not sent we were able to donate a pound to help the homeless.

“We do, of course still wish all professionals, our volunteers and local residents who have worked with us over the last twelve months a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

To find out more about the work of Healthwatch Rochdale please visit www.healthwatchrochdale.org.uk.