Hardworking staff who care for vulnerable adults in Trafford were given mini “survival kits” by one of their managers for Christmas – including a candle to “brighten up their day”.

Principal social worker for Trafford Council, Emma Brown, handmade 150 of the little bundles herself as a present for her hard working staff.

She handed them all out at the Adult Social Care Christmas Party which raised £215 for Trafford South Foodbank.

Ms Brown said: “The staff in adult social care work extremely hard, often in very extremely challenging circumstances and I thought this would be nice way of showing my appreciation for what they do.

“It took me a while to make them but it was worth it.”

The kits have had lots of positive feedback online.

The pouches were tied up with an attached message, listing the items included.

These were: “Coffee: To make sure you are alert in the mornings

A button: For the times when you may need to button your lip

A crayon: To make each day bright and colourful

Jigsaw: Because you fit so well in the team

Elastic band: For when you are stretched to your limit

Lolly pop: To give you energy to get through the day

Candle: To brighten up your day when things get tough

Playing card: To help you ‘deal’ with all situations

Star: Because you are

Paperclip: To help you hold it all together

Toothpick: Attitude is everything, so remember to pick a good one

Salt: For when you need to take things with a pinch of…

Hot chocolate/marshmallows: Remember to relax at the end of the working day

Mint: Because you are worth a ‘mint’ to Trafford Council! THANK YOU!!”

Sara Todd, Trafford Council’s chief executive, shared images of the packages on Twitter and said: “How fab is this? A survival kit made by one of our managers for every one of our wonderful adult social care staff for Christmas.”

Ms Todd’s post was met with positive comments.

Steve Marsden tweeted: “Fab ! Its good to give and appreciate your colleagues random acts if kindness is always a special thing.”

Jacque Allen said: “Love that Sara.”

But not everyone was convinced.

Referencing the immense strain adult social care services are currently under, Twitter user Closet ASD Mum said: “Am I the only one who saw this as a bit patronising? It’s a tool kit for showing resilience in my opinion.

“A thanks for all your efforts, we really appreciate all you do and notice all the extra hours you put in would have been more appreciated?”

While some were cynical, overall the feedback was positive.

Angela Harrison replied to Sara Todd and tweeted: “Lovely, lovely touch.”