1 Oak Home Care Sudbury launches heated blanket fundraiser

1 Oak Home Care, which has a head office in Acton and provides support in the Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds and Colchester areas, has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money towards buying heated blankets which will then be donated to those in need. 

Angel Clark, managing director, and Rhiannon Read, care manager, said: "With changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, it’s been reported that many people may be at risk this winter.

Angel & Terry Clark - Company Owners (Image: 1 Oak Home Care)

"1 Oak Home Care have done various fundraisers over the years and it is an integral part of what we do – help the community whether they are in our care or not.

"We are committed to raising as much money as possible to help our local community stay warm.

"Heated blankets seemed to be the best option—they're affordable to run, easily moved from bed to chair, and cost around £30 each with an estimated running cost of only 1p per hour.

"This makes them an ideal solution for those on restricted budgets, especially if brand new blankets can be donated." 

Rhiannon Read, care manager (Image: 1 Oak Home Care)

The pair said the cold weather has a "significant impact" on the elderly and can lead to things like pneumonia and hospital admissions. 

"We want to do our part in reducing that strain on the NHS by keeping people healthy, warm and ultimately reduce hospital admissions," they said. 

Team members have been attending a quiz night at The Hare pub in Long Melford and are putting their winnings towards the blankets, with a target of £1000. 

Residents can nominate their elderly neighbours in the area around Sudbury, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds or Clacton, that they believe would benefit from a heated blanket and can't afford one. 

This can be done via the 1 Oak Home Care Facebook page, or by emailing feedback@1oakcare.com.