Northern Ireland · Updated: December 2025
A schoolgirl in Carrickfergus, County Antrim is delivering Christmas presents to around 300 care home residents in a heartfelt effort to reduce loneliness during the festive season. The teen, Phoebe Cullen, says the gifts are meant to “cancel out” isolation — not with big-ticket items, but with small, thoughtful touches that can lift someone’s day.
“It could be as little as a toothbrush”
Phoebe told BBC News NI that she hopes each bag brings a bit of comfort and cheer. Some gifts are practical — like toiletries — while others are small treats such as chocolate. Her message is simple: it doesn’t take much to make someone feel remembered.
The initiative has grown quickly. Last year, she delivered presents to older people in three care homes and one fold. This Christmas, she says she is reaching twice as many, expanding the project so more residents receive a gift before Christmas Day.
Inspired by a family dementia diagnosis
Phoebe says the idea began after her great-grandfather was diagnosed with dementia. The experience prompted her to look beyond her own family and consider how many older people spend winter — and Christmas — feeling cut off from regular visits and everyday community life.
Her great-grandmother has become a key part of the effort, helping to sort donations and put the bags together. Phoebe says the organising has turned into a shared family mission — and, with plenty of hands involved, the work is moving fast.
When she returned to see residents again this year, she was surprised by what they remembered. One woman, she said, could recall the scents and the presents from last Christmas — proof that small gestures can stay with someone long after the wrapping is gone.
“We do appreciate that we’re not forgotten”
Residents at Knockagh Rise Nursing Home described the visits as emotional. Betty Redfern said it was a “lovely surprise” to see a young teenager thinking of them — and a powerful reminder that the outside world still feels close. She said even while residents make friendships inside the home, it matters to know people beyond its walls still care.
Fellow resident Maureen Allen also praised the kindness behind the idea, joking that her favourite items included chocolates — and “something to take the wrinkles off”. The humour, she said, comes with genuine appreciation.
Care home manager: It’s especially meaningful for residents without family nearby
Care home manager Joeleen Logan said the gifts bring visible joy to residents, particularly those who have limited family contact or whose relatives live far away. She said seeing residents smile and open their bags has been one of the warmest moments of the season.
Loneliness in later life is a wider issue across the UK and Ireland, and charities continue to highlight how winter can intensify isolation. If you’re looking for guidance on supporting older people in your community, resources from organisations like Age UK’s loneliness support information can help families and volunteers understand what makes a difference.
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