Christmas Day is but nine sleeps away! That’s almost nine whole days in which to get into the Christmas spirit and to give something back: and perhaps to make a resolution for 2015…
Here are five simple ways you can make a difference in the Deptford area:
1. Give to a food bank
A great number of organisations across Britain have been working hard this year to support families and individuals who are struggling to feed themselves. And it’s easy to get involved: when you’re doing your Christmas Dinner shopping, simply pop a few extras into your trolley and donate to a food bank. Lewisham Council has made a handy suggestions page of what to donate and where in the New Cross and Deptford area.
2. Meet Me at the Albany
Described as ‘the kind of stereotype-smashing thing that sticks two knitting needles up at anyone who dares assume day care for older people is about flower arranging and endless cups of tea’, you’d be hard-pushed to find a more entertaining way to give something back to your community this Christmas. Hosted every Tuesday, Meet Me at the Albany is a new take on day care for Over 60s that is always looking for volunteers, so what are you waiting for?
3. Reach out to Deptford
Deptford Reach is a drop-in centre for adults over 16 years of age who are vulnerable through homelessness, mental illness, loneliness, social exclusion and severe poverty. They support more than 70 people each weekday through a programme of courses, workshops, activities and advice sessions. They work on employment skills, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, mental health and creative expression to name a few; so if you can contribute towards any of there areas take a look and see how you can get involved.
4. Get Souped Up
Nothing says winter like a hearty soup to warm you up. Lewisham Soup Kitchen serves soup to those in need every Thursday from 6 – 7pm, so get your ladle out and serve some steaming bowls of soup.
5. Invite a lonely neighbour to Christmas Dinner
This week The Independent published an article explaining that 400,000 pensioners will be alone on Christmas Day this year. One simple way to change that is to invite someone you know will be alone on Christmas Day around to join you for your festive meal. It’s a small gesture, and they might decline your offer, but if everybody asked a neighbour to join them then the shocking figure of 400,000 could be much lower.
So make this the most wonderful time of the year and do just one small thing to make someone else’s Christmas as festive as yours. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Rachel McCall
Marketing Assistant
The Albany
The Albany, Deptford 