In the news last week was an article that made me shed a tear or two.
It’s something that really pulls at my heart.
It’s being lonely. It’s an awful feeling to be alone. At Christmas time it can be even worse. It can bring back memories of family members long gone, feelings of sadness that you no longer have that magic during the festive season.
The report says almost one million older people will be alone this Christmas.
I really hope that when I get to old age my family will still be around and will never let me feel lonely.
What can we do to help??
- Volunteer to become a befriender with a charity like age.
- Keep an eye out for elderly neighbours – Drop them some mince pies in on Xmas eve, or offer to pick up some shopping.
- Say hello to someone in the street, ask how they are and listen to their response.
- Make an extra meal and take it to someone you know are on their own.
- Offer to do some household jobs like changing a bulb, or taking out the bin on bin day.
- At this time of year why not offer to put up some decorations and take them down again at the end of the festive period.
- Wrap them up a gift. A hamper could be a good idea if you don’t know them very well.
Whatever you do to help will not only benefit them but helping others can contribute to your own sense of wellbeing!
I’m personally going to wrap a couple of hampers for local people and deliver them with the kids.
I want to show them that it’s important not to forget people especially at this time of year.
Nina x
Places to volunteer
