A church in Merton hasn't let the pandemic stop them from lifting residents spirits- instead they came up with an innovative way to continue their regular event.

Each July, Dundonald Church hosts a week of events called 'Holiday at Home' for residents in the Raynes Park and the Wimbledon area.

But their annual event programme which has taken place since 2012, was put to a halt due to the pandemic.

Undeterred, the team thought about how they could continue to deliver their programme which is when they launched their 'Holiday at Home' packs.

The packs which have been sent to senior residents homes include; quizzes, crafts, a jigsaw, treats and much more.

Normally there is a guest speaker to provide a ‘thought for the day’, but instead the pack included a specially designed postcard from one of the church pastors.

Wimbledon Times:

Coordinator Phoebe said “Holiday at Home is our key event for Seniors each year and our team was disappointed that we weren’t able to run it this year.

"Yet wonderfully, through offering these packs, we have made lots of new contacts in the area.

"We’ve distributed over 140 packs, which is more people than would normally attend in person."

Coordinator Louise said: “Coordinating the assembly and delivery of all the packs whilst adhering to all of the guidelines has been a bit of a logistical challenge.

"But we have a wonderful team of volunteers and we are very grateful to our friends at Philippa’s Kitchen for their generosity in providing the cakes.

“We miss seeing the people who normally come to our regular Afternoon Teas for Seniors.

" We hope these packs have brightened their day.”