Community Support at Christmas

The Christmas season brings immense joy and excitement for many. It brings families together, along with food and presents, whilst also providing opportunities for reflection at the end of a busy year. Sadly, for many it also brings difficulties. Loneliness, grief and debt can impact people at any time of year, but at Christmas, when expectations are high, they can have the biggest impact.

Last Friday morning, I spent time at the new Chichester District Foodbank Hub on Quarry Lane. Having attended the opening of the site in the spring, I was glad to see the additional space proving helpful to the staff and volunteers, although I remain concerned about the continuing demand for their services.

Jess meeting families at the Foodbank’s ‘Tea, Toast, Talk’ session

The ‘Tea, Toast, Talk’ sessions they run provide a warm and friendly environment in which to take a break, have something to eat, and chat. The sessions also bring together local organisations to offer support to individuals attending, whether that be social prescribers, Citizens Advice, or NHS health checks.

The support the Foodbank offers goes beyond the need for emergency food. Instead, by addressing the compounding issues around poverty, their users are needing food parcels for a shorter period.

The charity is currently running their Parcel of Hope campaign on Justgiving, which is being match funded by a generous supporter. This means that every £1 donated is worth £2, to help provide vital food and support to those struggling with the cost-of-living this winter.

There are, of course, many other fantastic organisations and charities across Chichester that provide support for those in need, especially at this time of year. The Chichester Harbour Rotary Club, whom I also met last week, has run a fundraising drive to support those struggling financially this Christmas. Among other things, this money will be put towards presents for children whose parents cannot afford them.

For those experiencing homelessness or the threat of homelessness, Christmas can be especially difficult. Please get in touch with Stonepillow, who provides counselling and support. Heart for Homeless also offers breakfast and informal support every morning at St Pancras Church Hall, Chichester. Four Streets, which operates out of St Paul’s Church on the Northern Gyratory, can also provide an evening meal and, in some cases, a sleeping bag or dry clothes, 365 days a year.

Whatever your financial situation, Christmas can bring a mixture of feelings, including loneliness and grief, to the surface. If you, or someone you know, is finding this season particularly difficult, I encourage you to contact one of the many helplines available. Age UK, Mind, CALM, the Samaritans and Childline are all offering support.