Christmas is a time for giving and sharing but 2020 is a year like no other!

In the Anthony Collins Solicitors Court of Protection team, we have the huge privilege of managing the finances of around 150 people who lack capacity to manage their own finances. Of these people, there are over 40 who do not have any family or friends and would otherwise not receive a Christmas gift. For us, that is something we just can't have so over the last six or so years, we have made sure that any of our clients in this position receive a parcel of goodies such as sweet treats and toiletries.

We have historically collected toiletries throughout the year and sweet treats in October and November from colleagues around the firm. We have then held a 'Secret Santa' in-house so that each member of staff is allocated a client to buy a personalised gift for and these are then delivered in the run-up to Christmas.

2020 might have stopped us being able to collect items throughout the year to wrap and parcel up together as a team for delivery and also stopped our direct and personal deliveries being made where that was possible, but it hasn't stopped the spirit of giving, of sharing the joy of the festive season and ensuring that our vulnerable clients receive something. This year is therefore mainly about the Secret Santa parcels being delivered directly using safe, contactless services.

We are particularly grateful this year for the generous support of Nick Leech and the team at Nestor who have provided funds through their Nestor Foundation to ensure that our most in need clients, some extra essentials can be purchased too! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this possible!

We hope the same joy at having gifts to unwrap, personalised and thoughtful items will bring a smile and share the joy of the season with our clients - we know it has brought huge amounts of festive cheer for our staff!

Merry Christmas to you all!