Police bring a bit of festive cheer to elderly
OFFICERS from the Ashbourne area Safer Neighbourhood policing teams hosted a Christmas event in the town.
Elderly residents living in Ashbourne and the surrounding villages were invited to the Ashbourne and District Community Christmas Cracker event at Chatsworth Court, in Park Road, in the run-up to Christmas Day.
Visitors were given advice and support from officers and a selection of other services, including Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Waterloo Housing, Derbyshire Core Victim Services and Age UK who were also on hand to speak to the guests.
Volunteers from Readycall, a befriending service for the southern part of the Derbyshire Dales, and staff from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, were also there to chat with guests.
Lunch and refreshments were served during the event and this was provided by Helen Naylor, from Upper Crust Caterers, and students from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School and Hilltop Primary School sang Christmas carols.
The officers also organised a raffle, with prizes donated by shops and businesses, and raised more than £130 for Safe and Sound, a charity dedicated to protecting children and young people from sexual exploitation.
PCSO Jo Dales said: “The event was set up a few years ago by PC Rachel Baggaley with the aim of bringing together the more vulnerable, isolated and lonely members of our community, to offer them a meal, fun and some company, plus safety advice.
“As the event has been so successful and well received we decided to organise it again this year and we would like to thank local businesses for their continued support.”