Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
PCSO Anne Devine has been putting a smile on residents’ faces by teaming up with a charity to help vulnerable, older people in Welwyn Hatfield.
Since mid-December, PCSO Devine from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, has been delivering ‘Warm In Winter’ gift bags.
The bags are supplied by the charity ‘Small Acts of Kindness’ to help anyone aged over 55 who may be cold or vulnerable in their own home.
They include a fleece blanket, thermal hat, socks, gloves, soup, porridge, a hot drinks pack and a mug, as well as an information pack about services, support and activities for older people. The bags themselves are tote-style and reusable.
The initiative has been adopted by Hertfordshire Constabulary across the county. In Welwyn Hatfield, PCSO Devine has been handing out the bags in her work as the local police’s Older Persons Liaison.
PCSO Devine said: “I have had the pleasure of delivering the Small Act Of Kindness Bags to residents of Welwyn Hatfield since December. To date I have delivered 20 bags. Being able to turn up at their front door and deliver a small gift which puts the biggest smile on their face is priceless.
“The recipients are either nominated by their friend or a member of their family or may be a vulnerable resident I have encountered in my day to day work. I have had such a grateful response from all of my deliveries. Many have expressed surprise, asking “Are you sure it’s for me?” One person told me they had been poorly recently and receiving the gift really brightened them up. They were so thankful.
“Some residents have invited me in for a chat which is a lovely gesture and I have gratefully accepted and stayed with them for a little while. Giving my time, which is so warmly received when they may not have spoken to anyone all day, is the highlight of my deliveries.
“We work with our partners all year round to look after vulnerable residents and initiatives like this are so important. The ‘Warm In Winter’ bags will hopefully help prevent vulnerable residents from becoming unwell in the cold season.”
If you, or someone you know is cold in their home and in need of a Warm in Winter gift bag please visit the small acts of kidness website (opens in a new window) to request one online, call 01923 372717 or email (opens in a new window). All gift bags are delivered free of charge to anyone aged over of 55 living in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. They contain essential items to keep you warm and a comprehensive Purple Pages information pack providing literature on services, support and social activities.
You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit Echo (opens in a new window) and tell us your thoughts.