Page 46 • The HERALD • 8th January 2026 v THE HERALD - Proud to be part of your community WE CARE, YOU CARE christinashomecare@hotmail.com Fully Qualified, Insured and Enhanced DBS Call me for a friendly informal chat to discuss whatever you or your loved ones needs are on 07579 766797 Christina’s Home Care Professional Independent Carer Covering Waterside and New Forest Special Visit from Totton College SEN Students Brings Festive Joy to Snowdrop Care Home Volunteers who collect and distribute chocolate gifts to less fortunate children at Christmas have thanked donors from seven Hampshire care homes for their support. The Chocolate Elf praised the generosity of Colten Care residents, sta , families and visitors, saying their e orts would make a ‘positive di erence’ to youngsters likely to receive few if any other presents. The voluntary group distributes donations to children across Hampshire each festive season through contacts in local councils, children’s homes, charities, youth services, hospices and women’s refuges. Organiser Pete Orme, who visited Linden House dementia care home in Lymington to pick up the gi s gathered by Colten Care, said: “The Chocolate Elf are truly grateful to the staff, residents and families of everyone at Colten Care. These generous donations will go directly to less advantaged children in Hampshire, many of whom will receive little or nothing else this Christmas. Your kindness will genuinely make a positive difference to a child’s day.” is is the fourth year that Colten Care has supported Chocolate Elf. e 2025 collection of selection boxes and calendars reached 232, taking the total number of donated items since 2022 to more than 830. Matty Davitt, Driver and Operator for the Colten Group, collected this year’s gifts from drop-off boxes in the receptions of Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Kingfishers in New Milton, Abbotts Barton and St Catherine’s View in Winchester, the Lymington homes Belmore Lodge, Linden House and Court Lodge, and the Colten House head o ce in Ringwood. He then brought them to Linden House for the handover to Chocolate Elf. Tracy Baker, Customer Service Advisor at both Belmore Lodge and Court Lodge, said: “We’re gathering more and more donations each year. It’s wonderful to be able to help.” Belmore Lodge resident Joyce Keen described the annual campaign as a “lovely and thoughtful idea”, adding: “It makes us remember how lucky we are and how we should help others where we can.” Pete Orme from voluntary group Chocolate Elf (fourth from right) with Linden House team members, from left: Companions Linda Gordon, Kayleigh Mitchell and Freya Edwards; Customer Support Advisor Lee Mussell; Clinical Lead Mitch Tan; Care Coordinator Amanda Exley; and Companion Phil Wilkinson Snowdrop Place in Hedge End was delighted to host a heart-warming visit from a group of SEN students from Totton College in December, as part of the college’s communitycontribution programme. The group, made up primarily of nonverbal young people, arrived with tremendous enthusiasm and a thoughtful selection of handmade gi s that instantly captured the hearts of the residents. eir creativity and e ort were deeply appreciated, and the gi s quickly became cherished keepsakes. roughout the morning, the students engaged with residents in a variety of meaningful ways, each communicating through their own individual style, using sign, gestures, and plenty of warm smiles. eir presence brought a lively, upli ing energy to the home, creating an atmosphere lled with curiosity and joy. e visit concluded with a festive singalong of Christmas carols, where everyone participated in the way that suited them best. e room was lled with laughter, music and plenty of holiday spirit. e success of this visit has already inspired ongoing collaboration. Plans are underway for the group to return to Snowdrop Place later in the year, as well as reciprocal visits where Snowdrop’s residents can spend time at Totton College, o ering even more opportunities for learning and shared experiences. A particularly exciting initiative involves sta and residents beginning to learn basic sign language, ensuring that future interactions are even more inclusive and supportive. Jade Chappell a teacher at Totton College said: “The students loved it, it was honestly such a wholesome experience.” Totton College SEN Students visited residents at Snowdrop Care Home Donors Brighten Christmas For Less Advantaged Children
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