A SOCIAL care provider has been giving out Christmas gifts to residents who are spending Christmas in hospital.

A group of customers and colleagues from the social care provider Optalis have hand delivered presents to Wokingham Hospital Older People’s wards.

The presents, called Hug in Mug were filled with festive treats to give older people in hospital a reminder that they are not alone.

Martin Farrow Optalis’ Chief Executive said: "This amazing initiative goes from strength to strength.

"The Focused Friends group had a great idea to support the community and through their passion, teamwork, creativity and kindness have made the idea a reality."

The group, which was made up of individuals with learning disabilities wanted to come up with an innovative way of reaching people who are lonely.

Martin added: "not only have they made a difference to vulnerable members of society, it has been a rewarding and beneficial experience for our customers to be involved in this project."

The social care provider Optalis will also be working alongside The Link Visiting Scheme to provide a lunch for lonely residents in the Wokingham Borough.

For more information on the The Link Visiting Scheme visit https://www.linkvisiting.org/.