The generous gift haul which consisted of cosy scarfs, gift sets and chocolates, came just in time to give the people supported at Quarriers Epilepsy Community Outreach in Fife and Quarriers Fife Supported Living Service a wonderful surprise in their Christmas stockings.
Quarriers Fife Supported Living Service supports adults affected by mental health and learning difficulties. While the Fife Epilepsy Community Outreach supports people in Fife who have epilepsy, as well as their families, carers and the professionals who support them. Both are vital services on the east coast.
Judith Hunter, Partner and Community Liaison Coordinator at John Lewis, Edinburgh, said: “We were delighted to be able to support the work of the Quarriers in Fife. All our giving at Christmas was to make Christmas a special time for people in our community who need extra support.
“It is lovely to hear how well the gifts were received, especially to read Daniel’s thanks for his scarf, this is why we have a commitment to working in our communities to hopefully make a difference.
“We would like to thank all the team at Quarriers for all the vital work that they do not only in Fife but across the country.”
Judith very kindly asked for a brief on each person supported at the services and she hand picked gifts for each person. A wonderfully thoughtful gesture to the recipients who were grateful for her kindness.
Leanne Hynes, Epilepsy Community Outreach Workers said: “This is an invaluable act of kindness to a group of people who largely struggle on benefits due to not being able to work. Epilepsy is highly misunderstood and there is still a huge stigma attached to it. Our Peer Support Group were overwhelmed with the gifts and asked to pass on their appreciation to JLP.
“Our role is to support people with epilepsy by providing information, support and advice on how to live well with epilepsy. We can advise on matters such as benefits, housing and employment, and can help access appropriate local resources.
“Our Peer Support Group meets every month in person in Dunfermline and more regularly online, it provides invaluable support and friendship and an opportunity for people in Fife who live with epilepsy to come together and talk to people who really understand what they are going through.”
Daniel Malcolm (pictured), who lives with epilepsy, said: “Thank you so much. I love my scarf, and it will keep me cosy.” Daniel loves his scarf so much he hasn’t taken it off.
Quarriers’ services support adults and children with disabilities, young people facing homelessness, families facing poverty, unpaid carers and people affected by epilepsy.
The charity runs more than 100 services across Scotland.
For more information, visit www.quarriers.org.uk
