A CARE home chain is calling for donations of outdoor decorations to help bring a bit of sparkle to this year's Christmas festivities.

Covid-19 safety guidance means no trees, decorations or music so Renaissance Care is donations to brighten up outdoor areas.

As offices are currently closed, and staff working from home, businesses may find they have outdoor Christmas lights which aren’t in use this year, and could be loaned to a local care home to help light up the festive period.

Donations can be anything from outdoor lights and decorations to a well wish via video message - a little goes a long way in the current climate and helps bring the community a little closer in a time that can be lonely for so many.

Anything donated to the homes will be sanitised and quarantined for 72 hours in line with infection control processes.

Louise Barnett, managing director at Renaissance Care, said: “It has been an extremely long and challenging year for residents, staff and relatives in care homes throughout the country, and as many look to the spirit of Christmas to bring some joy back to 2020, restrictive measures within care homes will detract from what is usually a fun and enjoyable time for our people.

“We’re hoping, that with the support from the communities, we can create festive light displays outside all care homes so that despite the lack of decoration inside, residents can look out and enjoy Christmas displays within the gardens and grounds surrounding their home.

"We’re still keen to make this year as joyful and fun as possible for all our people.

“We would encourage those who can help or have an idea to help restore some Christmas cheer, to get in touch with your local care home to find out how you can work with them.”

For information on how to support your local Renaissance Care home, contact Kirstene Feenan: kfeenan@renaissance-care.co.uk