RESIDENTS from the Swansea Valley are being asked to donate shoeboxes full of items for elderly and vulnerable people being supported by a care provider in the area over the next month.

Abacare, which provides care around the Ystradgynlais area, is running the shoebox appeal for its service users who may not be able to get outside to pick up essentials during the festive season.

The care provider announced last month that they have nurses currently undertaking specialist training to enable them to look after the growing number of people with dementia in their care.

Peter Angelides, CEO of the multi award-winning Abacare, said: “We don’t want anyone to feel isolated or alone this Christmas so we’re asking people to fill a shoebox with essentials and other bits and pieces that would really help brighten someone’s day.

“People can fill the shoeboxes with anything they think might be useful including hats, scarves, slippers and toiletries as well as something a bit more festive and fun for Christmas.”

“We think this is a really great way to treat our service users and we hope lots of people get involved.”

Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team that is committed to providing high quality care to individuals in their own homes.

The large team of trained, specialist, care workers provide positive based outcomes and person centred care to people throughout Wales.

The care provider has been awarded an Investors in People accolade for its staff training and development for the fourth year running.

Investors in People is a national standard, which provides a framework that helps organisations to improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of their staff.

Abacare was also named Britain’s Most Outstanding Care Agency at the UK Over 50s Housing Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Any shoeboxes can be dropped off or sent to Abacare’s offices at Unit 300, Ystradgynlais Business Centre, Trawsffordd Road, Ystradgynlais, Powys, SA9 1BS. The deadline for boxes to be sent is Friday, December 16.

Abacare will then distribute any donations amongst its service users.

For more information about Abacare, you can call 01639 844155 or visit abacare.org.uk.