We know you’re keen to help us make a difference. Maybe you’re working towards your DofE volunteering hours. Maybe you just want to let lonely older people know that they’ve not been forgotten in this strange new world. Here’s what to do:

Send us your poetry & artwork

For those of you who simply want to capture the mood of these strange times, we are running an art and poetry competition. The best pieces of work will be sent to hospitals and care homes, to inspire and engage older people, and give them something new and uplifting to talk about.

Pick a theme that inspires you from the list below:

1. Bringing the Generations Together in these Troubled Times
2. Creative Thoughtfulness
3. Positivity

Email your entry to: [email protected] (include your age if you’re under 18). Deadline, lunchtime 18th May.

Fundraise for our singers

Use your creative smarts to come up with inspirational (and safe!) ways to raise money to keep KiB going through this crisis. Every penny will be put into one of our essential projects: keeping our singers performing in care home gardens to lift the spirits of the people trapped inside; making goody bags for frontline staff; and ensuring that everything we do is safe as well as uplifting.  You can donate through our justgiving link, top right of the website front page (click on get involved/donate). There will be a prize for the most original (and safest!) idea.

Send us your gifts and cards

If you’re doing your DofE volunteering hours with us, you already know we need little homemade gifts and thank-you-cards to pack our goody bags for NHS and care-staff. (See DofE Volunteering story for details). And see below for some inspiration – these little paper thank-you’s were made by Jacqui. Send your makes to: The Old Vicarage, Church Lane, Aston Cantlow, Henley in Arden B95 6JB, with a note about how and why you made them.