As the festive season is well and truly upon us, many of us look forward to time with family, social events and presents we are hoping to receive. But for some Christmas is a difficult time. The current economic crisis, coupled with rising energy bills and food prices, means Christmas is virtually impossible for those who are already struggling.
The gift of giving
It is during these tough times that the kindness of others shines through. At Future Living Hertford, we know there is plenty of kindness around! We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by 2 local ChildBase Nurseries, who have been busy collecting Christmas present donations from parents of children who attend their nurseries.
These gifts enable many of our clients to ensure their children have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning. Financial issues not only impact people’s ability to provide for their families, it can also greatly impact their mental health. The stress and pressure associated with this time of year in particular can further add to this. Many of our clients face financial strain due to no fault of their own. Some are left with debt following an abusive relationship, others may have faced economic abuse, meaning they had lost control of their money. There are many factors as to why people find themselves in difficult times, something no one should have to face alone.
There is so much that can be gained from giving and it doesn’t just need to be money or material things, Simply giving up some of your free time can be enough to make a real difference. We were pleased to welcome some wonderful volunteers from Hertfordshire County Council last month who gave up their time to help with some gardening at Vale House. With large gardens to maintain, the team at Future Living Hertford were really grateful for those who helped out.
Giving back
Some of our clients chose to give back to Future Living Hertford to show gratitude for the support they have received. One of our volunteers who will be a mentor in The Monica Programme in January said:
“Having been through The Monica Programme myself, I know what a difference it makes. In particular, the support of the other women who have all been through domestic abuse makes it all the more relatable. I want to give back to a charity which has done so much for me and am looking forward to supporting other inspirational women in the process. It will be a major step forward for me too!”
How to get involved
So this Christmas, remember that the gift of giving can mean so much more to someone who needs some kindness sent their way.
Find out more about how you can make a donation to Future Living Hertford this Christmas HERE
Perhaps your new years resolution could be to volunteer? We are always looking for help with our garden or building maintenance, or could you commit to a couple of hours every week to support one of our community groups?
If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected] to request a volunteer application form.
