Daventry district hotel joins with charity to combat isolation among elderly residents

Hellidon Lakes held a charity family fun day to launch its partnership with the Daventry Volunteer Centre’s Happy at Home project which works to reduce the isolation of elderly people in the community.

Q Hotels Hellidon Lakes Golf and Spa Hotel, near Hellidon, is bringing guests, helpers and team members together to enjoy an afternoon of indulgence with afternoon tea donated by Hellidon Lakes along with nail painting and hand massages.

The Happy at Home Partnership is a Big Lottery Funded project helping reduce the feelings of isolation in elderly residents across Daventry and South Northants districts, and enabling them to remain living independently in their own homes.

Volunteers are recruited to visit elderly residents in their own homes, share a cup of tea with them, and take them information about access to services in their local area.

The first fundraising event took place at Hellidon Lakes on Sunday July 3, with a Family Fun Day at the hotel for families to enjoy. Activities took place throughout the day including rounders, croquet, putting coaching and bowling and families were able to enjoy full use the hotel facilities for a donation to the cause.

Funds raised from the fun day will pay to bring 50 to 60 elderly people and helpers to the hotel on Wednesday August 3 to enjoy an Afternoon Tea event with hand massages, manicures, games and entertainment. 

The team at Hellidon Lakes will also be volunteering their own time at the event to host the tables and interact with the guests as well as working with local organisations such as Daventry Area Community Transport (DACT).

Joanne Hammick general manager at Hellidon Lakes Golf and Spa Hotel said: “This is a fantastic local charity and we’re proud to be able to support the work they do.

“The whole team has really got behind this initiative, showing great enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

“We hope that our small efforts are able to positively contribute towards the fantastic work they do at the Happy at Home Partnership.”

Nicola Toms, Happy at Home Partnership project co-ordinator says: “Daventry Volunteer Centre is absolutely delighted to partner with Hellidon Lakes Hotel to help the Happy at Home Partnership project to reach as many isolated elderly people as possible, with a fantastic social event in the beautiful Hellidon Lakes setting.

“Joanne Hammick and the hotel staff have been amazing in their support of the project - it’s great to know that people are now becoming aware of the problem of loneliness that many elderly people face, and they are willing to do something about it.”