People in Kendal can nominate someone for a hug in a mug, thanks to a local church and businesses.
The neighbourhood chaplains of Gateway Church have been putting together the gifts after donations from Herdy and Farrer’s Tea and Coffee Merchants.
Herdy gave 400 branded mugs to the project and the seven volunteer chaplains have filled them with goodies including hot chocolate, tea and coffee, Kendal mint cake, biscuits and chocolates.
Gateway Church’s community connector, the Rev Jonny Gios, said: “We are aware even before the COVID pandemic started that loneliness and isolation was a huge challenge in our community.
“There is a misconception that loneliness only affects older people but in fact it affects younger people too.
“The mugs are a small token that those who do feel lonely and especially isolated are not forgotten. We offer a befriending service as neighbourhood chaplains
have already helped a number of people in our community with varied support.”
A spokesman for Herdy said “Every year we take part in the Random Acts of Kindness Day initiative, which aims to spread a little bit of joy at a local level.
“We felt that Hug in a Mug was a perfect fit, especially as Herdy is best known for its fine bone china mugs. We believe there’s nothing better than enjoying a good cuppa!
“Our company motto is ‘to spread smiles and happiness’ and we hope that ‘Hug in a Mug’ will bring a smile to those in the community who need it the most.”
Neighbourhood Chaplains and staff at Herdy came together to put the Hug in a Mugs together over a morning at their offices in Kendal.
There will also be an opportunity to nominate someone you know in Kendal to receive a Hug in a Mug – check the Facebook page of Gateway Church.
