Less Stress December: Week 3
Hectic, sometimes, this time of year… But it’s always good to take a moment to stop worrying about your own problems, and change your focus to something else.
This week, please consider doing something that helps a charity or contributes to your community in some way if you’re able to do so. Many non-profit organisations have seen their funding and incomes severely slashed in the last year or so, and all help is gratefully received. By the way, if you’re donating cash to a charity, remember to tick the ‘Gift Aid’ box so they get the most from your donation.
You can also donate time, or goods. For example, a donation of non-perishables could be taken to a nearby food bank – if possible, call ahead for their opening hours and their list of items they’re especially in need of. The Trussell Trust is a good place to start, and most food banks have seen a surge in people needing their services in recent months.
On an even more local scale, keen cooks could get matched up with an elderly neighbour and take them a home cooked hot meal to cheer them up and feed them up. Find out more at Casserole Club.
Off the top of my head, the following charities are often sadly overstretched during the festive season, and could use donations, volunteers etc:
- Crisis UK (helping the homeless at Christmas)
- Shelter (including emergency appeal to help homeless children)
- Refuge (against domestic violence)
If you have any other favourite charities you think could use a shout out, please let me know.
