When magazine staff at publishing giant DC Thomson Media got wind of the fact that Balhousie Care Group residents were separated from their loved ones, they rallied together to help.

The care home group last week restricted visits to its home to essential only, as a health measure to help protect residents against Coronavirus.

Angela Gilchrist, Editor of The People’s Friend, suggested that staff send the residents care parcels with a difference – full of back issues of DC Thomson Media magazines.

The parcels, delivered to seven of Balhousie Care Group’s homes around Dundee, Angus and Perthshire, contained 50 issues of The People’s Friend, My Weekly, The Scots Magazine and NO.1 magazine. Residents and staff gave the move a huge thumbs-up.

Jan Robertson, Home Manager at Balhousie Willowbank in Carnoustie, said: “It’s a beautiful gesture from DC Thomson Media and both residents and staff are really touched by it. Activities, games, letters and indoor exercise are highly important right now as we try and keep spirits up. These parcels were a welcome boost and we all want to say a huge thank you to Angela and the rest of the magazine staff at DC Thomson Media.”

Angela Gilchrist, Editor of The People’s Friend, said: “As someone with a close family relative who lives in a care home, I know how distressing it can be for both families and residents to be told visits cannot take place. Donating magazines seemed like a good way to help raise spirits amongst care home residents, and I’m delighted to hear how warmly they’ve been received.”

For more information visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

ENDS

Photo captions: Staff and residents of Balhousie Willowbank in Carnoustie enjoying magazine deliveries from DC Thomson; Balhousie Willowbank resident Jean Mathieson and Carer Karen Gerrie making use of the free deliveries.

For media enquiries contact Gillian Drummond on 01738 254254 or 07365 284994 or gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk