As we near Christmas, we as a local business have been exploring ways in which we can give back to our local community.

We are partnering with Age UK, Shropshire Telford and Wrekin to launch our R1 Construction Christmas parcel appeal, providing gifts to local older people.

These Christmas Parcels will go directly to older residents in our local area who, without Age UK would have no other support or social interaction in their lives.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin are completely self-funded so are reliant on fundraising and donations in order to function. The charity is also on the lookout for volunteers to assist in the vital work they do in the community. If you feel that you can offer them some of your free time, this would be just as valuable.

Dean Suter, our Business Development Manager is a Befriender for Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin and we asked him why he volunteers, this is what he had to say...

"I became a Befriender back in 2018 after watching an Age UK national appeal for volunteers. The struggles that older people go through on a day-to-day basis are well documented however, the support just isn't there. Loneliness is a real concern, especially when a number of people don’t have families that they can turn to. I get real satisfaction from knowing that the little time that I give up in my week, makes a big difference to other people’s lives. Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin couldn’t do the work that it does without its’ volunteer group and I am proud to be a part of it."

1.2 million older people are chronically lonely... You can do something to help by becoming a befriender with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. If you would like to find out more about Befriending and volunteering, more information can be found on the Age UK STW website here >> https://www.ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/get-involved/volunteer/befriending-volunteer/ 

We are aiming to have all of our parcels ready to go at the beginning of December so we can go to the Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin day centres and hand these out before they close for the Christmas Period.

If you would like to make a donation to support our Christmas Appeal, our Just Giving page can be found here >> https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/r1christmasappeal

Thank you in advance for your support!