‘Leaving No One Behind at Christmas’ campaign launched by Haywards Heath mayor

The campaign aims to help the elderly and vulnerable in our community during the unprecedented times.

It was launched back in March at the start of the coronavirus pandemic when many were self isolating.

It has now been relaunched to coincide with Christmas which can already be the loneliest time of year for older people.

Mr McPherson said: “In the UK, many of our elderly live alone and the Covid-19 pandemic has only added to their isolation.

“Working together with community groups such as Age UK West Sussex and our Haywards Heath Dementia Action Alliance, we want to ensure we spread the spirit of Christmas to those that don’t have or can’t see their family this year.”

The ‘Leaving No One Behind at Christmas’ campaign aims to identify those who may be facing the festive season alone, to ensure they receive a friendly phone call and to direct them to organisations that can help them.

Mr McPherson said: “I am calling for any volunteers across our community – if you have both the kindness in your hearts and the time to spare to place a phone call to spread the Christmas spirit, then please register to help our campaign by emailing [email protected] or call Haywards Heath Town Council on 07384 289668.

“Similarly, if you are facing the Christmas season alone or you are aware of someone who is elderly and vulnerable, please help them to register by calling the number above or emailing the town council.

“We are all facing a very different Christmas this year, to let’s join together and ensure we ‘Leave No One Behind’ this Christmas.”

Mr McPherson said the campaign follows the visit from HRH Princess Royal in October, who heard about the council’s plans to support the community going forward.

Princess Anne, accompanied by Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex Sir Richard Kleinwort, met those responsible for the response to the pandemic.

These included volunteers from the Haywards Heath Mutual Aid group led by founders Amie Cherverst, Jo Lee and Redwan Chowdhury working in partnership with the town council on its ‘Leave No-One Behind’ campaign.