Festive Amesbury event supports older vulnerable residents

Friday, 13 January 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council’s Stonehenge Area Board is driving forward the local priority of health and wellbeing to support older and vulnerable residents in the community following a recent festive concert.

In partnership with Celebrating Age Wiltshire, the Health and Wellbeing group organised the free Christmas event at Antrobus House, Amesbury, on 20 December with special thanks to Tesco in Salisbury and Amesbury, and Salisbury Food Bank for their generous donations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older and vulnerable residents have been disproportionately impacted over the past two years.

Furthermore, with the cost-of-living crisis affecting the most vulnerable in society, many residents will be feeling added pressure. This Christmas event engaged more than 100 older and vulnerable residents in the Amesbury community area who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness, particularly at the festive time of year.

Cllr Ashley O’Neill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Area Boards, said: “ Now more than ever we need to support our vulnerable residents so it’s great to see Stonehenge area board coordinate these types of events that will really have made a huge difference to those in attendance. We want Wiltshire to have vibrant well-connected communities and our area boards are ideally placed to help support with this.”

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of Stonehenge Area Board said: “As an Area Board we’re really pleased to have helped make this event happen, which provided a bit of festive fun and cheer at what can be a difficult time of year for residents.”

Cllr Dr Monica Devendran, the lead for the Stonehenge Area Board Health and Wellbeing Group, said: “Working in partnership with the Celebrating Age Wiltshire programme, we are pleased to have organised a Christmas concert event featuring the Salisbury Big Band playing a collection of Christmas songs and refreshments including teas and coffees, mince pies and cakes.

“My priorities include engaging older and vulnerable residents who battle with loneliness, isolation and mental health issues.

“It’s been a particularly difficult time for a number of residents in the Amesbury community area, and it was fantastic to see the local community join us to celebrate and enjoy the festive season.”