Can you help someone in need this Christmas?

Can you help someone in need this Christmas?

Many people this Christmas are going to have a tougher time than ever before. Apportioning blame as to who or what is responsible for this sad state of affairs might make us feel better in the short term. 

Bbut let's put that to one side and see exactly what we can do to help ensure that those people who are having a tougher time this year aren't going to benefit from our scintillating debating points. What they will need is practical assistance to help them through this difficult time this Christmas.

How can we do this?

Fist of all, check out your local churches and find out if they are operating any local schemes to help families in your area.

This website will tell you the location of your nearest Church of England church https://www.achurchnearyou.com

This website will help you find your nearest Methodist Church https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/connect/find-a-church.

This website will help you find your nearest Catholic Church https://www.catholicdirectory.org/

The Salvation Army often provide Chirstmas meals for homeless or at risk people. You can learn more here https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/

Are you looking for some non-religious organisations that might require help or donations? 

To learn what your local council is doing to help fight poverty this Christmas visit this government link which will give you contact details for your local council https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Also, there may be other councils at the parish or town council level not covered by the above link. Check Google or Bing for your parish or town council or see if the National Association of Local Councils can assist you? https://www.nalc.gov.uk/

The Trussell Foundation operates local foodbanks all over the country. See if the nearest foodbank to you requires any help or food donations of you have food you can donate. https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

However, there are other independent foodbanks who are members of the FAN, which you can learn about here https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/our-members

There are hundreds of other local foodbanks that are not members of the FAN. You can find these by searching Google and Bing or other search engines.

Also, check your local papers, Facebook, etc to see if their are other local initiatives that you can get involved with.

And remember. If you yourself need help, please don't be afraid to ask for the assistance that you need.

(Image courtesy of Alexa and Pixabay)