As we come to the end of another challenging year, we’d like to wish you a calm and peaceful festive period.
Stay safe, stay well, look after each other and we will see you in 2022.
Here are some useful links and phone numbers for over the holidays
(please share with your community):
#JoinIn
was started by comedian Sarah Millican as a Twitter invitation to chat for those who were alone on Christmas day and would rather not be. This Christmas Day will be #JoinIn’s 11th year. By using the hashtag #JoinIn, you can join a community made up of those alone, those not alone but lonely, and those who wish they were alone (who often tweet the horrors of being with others to make the lonely ones feel better) and Sarah. If you know someone who uses the internet and might like to #JoinIn, but isn’t yet on Twitter – why not help them set up an account for this! You can take a look at @SarahMillican75 ‘s profile or read her iNews article here for more info. You don’t even have to ‘follow’ her profile, just include #JoinIn in all of your Tweets to take part.
Later Life Community Connect
If you or someone you know is going to be alone over the Christmas period – from Christmas Day through the ensuing bank holidays, they can call BSEVC LATER LIFE COMMUNITY CONNECT on 01284 334516. Their Connect telephone line will be open as normal, every day between 10am – 2pm for those aged over 65 (ish) so give them a call and one of their friendly team will be at the end of the phone to help, for any issues, worries, concerns or just for a chat. Christmas is no exception. Later Life Community Facebook page
Suffolk Libraries
Suffolk Libraries are running a series of free events over the festive period, which are happening at libraries located throughout the county. Events include ‘Knit & Natter’, Mindful Colouring & Edible Crafts. To view the full programme of events & locations, visit the Suffolk Libraries ‘What’s On’ page on their website.
Suffolk Night Owls
Suffolk Night Owls is available in Suffolk to anyone who needs emotional support including those with complex emotional needs. It’s a telephone, text and email support service run by Suffolk Mind and open seven nights a week, 7pm to 1am. Register before Christmas to be provided with the Suffolk Owls contact number over the Christmas period.
Independent Age – Staying Safe Hub
Keeping yourself, family and friends safe at this time of year is very important. Independent Age have created a ‘Staying Safe Hub’ to help including help and advice on how to secure your home, how to avoid scams and how to practice safe online shopping and avoid hazards in the home. For more information contact the Independent Age helpline on 0800 319 6789 or visit their website https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/staying-safe
Kooth – free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
With the dark nights drawing in and the frost appearing in the morning, we know winter is on its way. For many, December is a month of joyful family time, wrapped gifts and twinkly lights. But for some it can be a very lonely and difficult time.
Please reach out to your local Kooth engagement lead for further support, resources or with any questions:
Sarah Clark – sclark@kooth.com – Suffolk Engagement Lead.
Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, you can call the Samaritans any time, from any phone for FREE. Call 116 123. Alternatively you can write them an email, to: jo@samaritans.org (Response time: 24 hours). You don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch – nearly half of the emails received are from people who are having a tough time, but not suicidal.
