Years ago Christmas was an extended family affair where Gran and Granddad, a widowed Uncle and the lady whose children lived too far away all, somehow, found themselves happily enjoying Christmas day with either their own family or neighbours.
Today, society is rather more complex – with record numbers of people now living alone, many are now reliant upon either state or voluntary organisations, both at Christmas and through the year, to socialise and keep well.
As the Christmas season rapidly approaches, we must remember how important our local volunteer organisations are at this time of year. Here in South Derbyshire the CVS, churches and many other organisations are now working hard to try and ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely are not alone this Christmas.
Recent figures show that there are 84 vulnerable people on the Derbyshire Befriending Service’s waiting list: wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could find a few more volunteers and eliminate that waiting list in total, in time for Christmas?
For my part I am currently in conversation with the Befriending Network – in the hope that I can learn more about how I can help the organisation.
If you feel that you could spare a little of your time to help people in your community please speak to the Befriending Network through their website www.derbyshirebefriending.org.uk or with South Derbyshire CVS through their website http://sdcvs.org.uk/ or call 01283 550163.
The Befriending Network, is not the only organisation which works tirelessly to support those in need. Recently I met with Lisa, a Carer support worker with the Derbyshire Carers Association, and Joan, a local carer. The DCA work to ensure the many carers in the county receive the help that they need to support their tireless work.
All of our carers, whether they are young, looking after parents and siblings or older, caring for frail partners or parents, need time away from their responsibilities: time to meet with others in similar circumstances, share experiences and above all, time to, simply, recharge their batteries and have some relief from the stresses and worries which they face each day.
And it is here, of course, that the work of the Derbyshire Care Association is vital as it strives to provide both respite care opportunities and that vital safety blanket of support which I know many carers both depend upon and appreciate.
Our South Derbyshire CVS continues to grow - providing practical support to many in need throughout the area. This Christmas the CVS is launching an appeal, with the Church Gresley Methodist Church, which will help families whose current circumstances makes it hard to buy their children presents. The appeal asks us to take as many good quality toys as possible to the church and I do hope that many Telegraph Readers in South Derbyshire will support this appeal.
People with toys to donate can bring them to the Church on on the 29th of November and the 6th December each Saturday between 10a.m. and 11.30a.m..
Alternatively donors can contact either Terry Chandler on 01283 217207 or Mr Barratt on 01530 413588 to make other arrangements.
Since moving South Derbyshire with my own family over 25 years ago I have been privileged to live and work amongst people who actually care about each other: volunteers, organisations and neighbours.
I am confident that, once again, all of us, together, will do our best to ensure that no one is left alone this Christmas time too.