Cuppas raise spirits at care home in Spilsby

Knowing this, tea and coffee retailer Whittard of Chelsea came up with a way of raising the spirits of the residents who are missing visits from family and friends while access to homes is restricted during the lockdown.

The company, which has its headquarters in Witney, has donated special packs of tea and biscuits to all 68 care homes and 14 extra care housing schemes run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).

OSJCT, which has its operational headquarters in Witney, runs homes in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Lincolnshire and Wiltshire, caring for more than 3,500 people.

Thanks to the Whittard donation, residents will get the chance to try a variety of different teas including classic blends such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey to unique flavours like Mango and Bergamot, green tea and Afternoon Tea.

Homes have also been provided with guides on how to make the perfect brew.

Extra packs of tea and biscuits will also be provided for carers when they get the opportunity to take a break.

Kerry Dearden, Deputy Chief Executive of OSJCT, said: “We are so grateful for this very generous gesture from Whittard of Chelsea. Teams in homes are working incredibly hard during very challenging times to ensure that residents are kept as engaged and busy as possible while visitor access is restricted.

"Special afternoon tea sessions are a perfect way of giving our residents something to look forward to, and a great reminder to enjoy small moments of pleasure."

Nathan Smith, CEO of Whittard of Chelsea, said of the donation: “It is our pleasure to support The Orders of St John Care Trust during this challenging time.

"Hopefully, some great tea and biscuits will help to raise the spirits of both the residents who are unable to see loved ones and the staff who are doing such a fantastic job across the country.”