STAFF at NHS 24 have come together to donate gifts to residents at a local care home and animal rescue centre. 

The festive and wellbeing staff at the Contact Centre in Aurora House in Clydebank have an ongoing engagement programme to provide support to local West Dunbartonshire charities and other support networks.

A 'giving tree' was set up in the centre to allow staff to help local charities. 

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Glasgow Times:

They selected a tag from the tree and bought their gift based on recommendations. 

A total of 100 gifts, including pyjamas, games, puzzles and toiletries, were gifted to the care home. 

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Glasgow Times:

Nicola Paterson, head of clinical services, said: "Staff working at NHS 24 are used to providing help and health advice to patients and callers throughout their shifts, however by supporting other local organisations it also means it feels like they are directly supporting people who live right on our doorstep.

"Team manager Nicola Power, who is based in Aurora House, thought it would be a fantastic idea to have a ‘giving tree’ in the centre to allow staff to help local charities.

"I thought it was a fantastic idea to link in with a facility in West Dunbartonshire to offer NHS 24’s support.

"The team at the care home helped us to identify what each resident would like as a gift.

"NHS 24 staff in Aurora House then selected a gift tag from our ‘giving tree’ and bought their gift based on the recommendations on the wish list.

"In total 100 presents were bought and gifted to the care home on December 20, which included items such as pyjamas, games, puzzles and toiletries.

"We didn’t want to forget our furry friends. So, donations were also included to give to the local rescue centre which were donated on December 22."

In August this year, the team also worked with a local charity ‘Y sort it’ which supports young people and carers.

They provided new uniforms for children starting back school for the new term.

Nicola said: "We have an ongoing programme of fundraising and charity events planned for 2023 to support other local charities and those in need and staff and I feel that it’s another way for us to show we care and give back to the community."