At Susan Howarth & Co. Solicitors, supporting our local community has always been important to us. This year, we’re proud to take that commitment a step further by replacing our usual office Secret Santa with something far more meaningful — an Alternative Secret Santa designed to bring comfort, kindness, and connection to those who may need it most.
Rather than buying gifts for one another, our team has come together to buy presents for local adults aged 18+ and older people aged 50+ who are experiencing loneliness, isolation, or hardship this Christmas.
These gifts will be donated to Northwich Home Instead’s heart-warming Be a Santa initiative, which collects thoughtful presents for people in the local community who may otherwise go without. All donations are then distributed through Changing Lives Together – Buddying and Befriending, a service dedicated to supporting isolated and vulnerable adults across Cheshire.
Why We Chose an Alternative Secret Santa This Year
Christmas is often described as the season of joy — but for many people, particularly older adults or those living alone, it can feel like the most difficult time of the year. A lack of social connection, limited mobility or financial pressures can make the festive season challenging and isolating.
As a firm deeply rooted in the Northwich community, we wanted to play our part in helping make Christmas a little brighter for those individuals. Instead of exchanging our usual Secret Santa gifts within the office, we agreed as a team that the money would be better spent supporting a local cause that aligns with our values of care, compassion, and community.
The response from our staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Thoughtful gifts — from warm clothing and toiletries to puzzles, blankets, festive treats, and more — have been generously donated, each one chosen with care and with the hope of bringing a smile to someone’s face.
About the “Be a Santa” Initiative
Home Instead Northwich’s Be a Santa initiative encourages the community to donate small gifts to people who may be spending Christmas alone or without support. What makes this campaign so special is its simplicity — a small act of kindness can have an enormous impact.
The gifts are distributed via Changing Lives Together – Buddying and Befriending, a well-established local service that provides emotional and practical support to people experiencing loneliness and social isolation across Cheshire. The volunteers involved ensure each gift reaches someone who will truly benefit from a little extra cheer this Christmas.
Why This Matters
Research shows that loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. For older adults, and for many people with limited social contact, a thoughtful gesture can provide not just comfort, but a crucial reminder that they are valued and remembered.
By supporting Be a Santa and Changing Lives Together, we hope to contribute — even in a small way — to reducing loneliness in our community and spreading a sense of connection during the festive season.
Our Commitment to Community Support
This initiative is just one of the ways our firm aims to make a positive difference beyond the legal services we provide. We are proud to support local organisations, charities, and community projects that strengthen the wellbeing of the people around us.
As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to giving back, championing local causes, and showing what the spirit of community truly looks like.
How You Can Get Involved
If you would like to support the Be a Santa initiative or learn more about how you can help combat loneliness in Northwich and the surrounding areas, you can visit:
Home Instead Northwich – Be a Santa Campaign
Changing Lives Together – Buddying & Befriending Service
Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference.