THE Whitchurch Inner Wheel has been supporting care homes in the area, by donating much-needed supplies.

Over the past weeks, members of the Inner Wheel, like the rest of the country, have highlighted the work NHS staff are doing to tackle the coronavirus.

But they also wanted to ensure that the social care sector is included in that.

With a lack of visitors, already stretched nursing and care staff are having to use more time keeping their elderly and vulnerable residents busy and comfortable.

They are also missing the non-clinical resources which visitors would bring in such as toiletries, games, puzzles, magazines which make life more comfortable for service users.

Whitchurch Inner Wheel has now mounted a campaign among its members to source and provide some of these item.

Sue Fawcett, vice president of Inner Wheel and main organiser, said the first delivery was flowers and chocolates for the staff to enjoy, to let them know how appreciated they were.

"It seemed very strange to put our gifts on the doorstep, press the door bell and then back right away," said Sue. "But we understand the need to follow social distancing rules.

"When the doors were answered it was possible to have a long-distance conversation and it was lovely to see smiles on the carers' faces.

"Deliveries will now follow with the other supplies which are needed."

The project was given an extra boost early on thanks to donations from Whitchurch businesses.

"Appreciation for our care homes is wide spread and a big thank you is due to staff and a customers at Whitchurch Home Bargains for their spontaneous gestures of financial donations when they heard about the project," Sue added.

"Inner Wheel hadn't expected to fundraise for this project but was so touched by these spontaneous acts of kindness.

"So a big thank you to all of our nurses, carers and ancillary staff, from Inner Wheel of Whitchurch.

Anyone wanting to know more about Inner Wheel can contact www.innerwheeldistrict21.org marking the enquiry 'Whitchurch'.