North Herts District Council's (NHDC) Healthy Hub has launched a campaign that hopes to bring joy to residents who might be spending Christmas alone this year.

Their Festive Delights campaign will see the Healthy Hub provide giftbags to 300 residents in North Herts.

Each giftbag will contain a selection of thoughtful locally sourced Christmas gifts.

A number of north Herts residents have already received their Festive Delights gift bags - with 'Ann from Hitchin' telling organisers: "It's really nice to be remembered at the moment when we're sitting at home and not seeing anybody."

Gifts include handmade Christmas puddings supplied by north Herts businesses Crumbs by Gwen Tennant, gingerbread scented soaps supplied by Heaven Scent, Christmas chocolates, a Christmas card from the Hub team, as well as packets of hot drinks and biscuits.

NHDC's Healthy Hub is working in partnership with First Garden City Homes, settle, The Salvation Army and Garden House Hospice's Compassionate Neighbours to help locate residents that would benefit from a Christmas gift bag.

They will also assist with distribution of the bags during December, while strictly following Covid guidelines to ensure they are delivered safely.

Hitchin councillor Judi Billing, NHDC's Executive Member for Community Engagement said: "Social isolation and loneliness are unfortunately present at all times of year but can often be even more keenly felt during the Christmas season.

"After such a tough year, we wanted to do something for our residents who may not be fortunate enough to have any friends of family nearby, or at all, during this time and to let them know someone is thinking of them.

"A big thank you to our partners and local businesses who have helped to make Festive Delights happen."

To contact Healthy Hub North Herts or to find out more about their work visit