A cuppa, a crossword and a chat: Enliven care packages

When COVID-19 lockdown means older people can’t attend Enliven Day Programmes, Enliven goes to them.

Since New Zealand south of Auckland went into Level 3 on Wednesday this week, Enliven staff have made contactless care package deliveries to their most vulnerable and isolated clients in Hastings, Havelock North and Napier. Today thirty packages are on their way to Porangahau clients.

The care packages include quizzes, biscuits, teabags, fruit, chocolates and tissues.

“We’ve delivered to well over half of our clients already, many of whom are living alone. If we stay at Level 3 beyond next week we expect to expand the deliveries to all our clients, including those who are staying with family,” says Deborah Watts, Enliven Community Programmes Manager.

“Some of these people are feeling really down and isolated. They miss the regular social contact, exercise and activities at Enliven Day Programmes. Their smile when they see us at the door – someone they know and can relate to – it’s really special. We can have a little chat at a distance, and it makes their day. Ours too!”