You are not alone: The message to Buckinghamshire this Christmas
Charities & health services have an important message for us
The message this Christmas Eve to Buckinghamshire is: you are not alone.
After a really tough year and the prospect of a lonely Christmas for many, or one spent remembering loved ones lost, organisations across the county want you to know they are there for you.
One of those organisations is Restore Hope, who have been sending Christmas dinner hampers out to families in need in the Chilterns.
Graham Wakeman is from the charity:
"We just want to encourage everybody to look out for those that might be less-fortunate than themselves, or going through difficult circumstances and recognise that a conversation, a gift, sharing of food, even in a Covid environment, can have a massive, massive impact on someone's wellbeing."
You can find out more about the charity here.
For those who are dealing with domestic abuse, restrictions do not apply to you if you need to leave your home.
Aylesbury Women's Aid are there to help those in Aylesbury Vale:
Bucks Mind are also available for help:
Here are a few tips to help you through the festive period:
- It's ok to prioritise what's best for you, even if others don't seem to understand.
- Think about what you need and how you might be able to get it.
- Consider talking to someone you trust about what you need to cope.
- Make a list of any services that you might want to access and their Christmas opening hours.
- If you're worried about feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas, make a list of some activities to help pass the time.
- Remind yourself that Christmas won't last forever.
- Set your boundaries.
- Let yourself experience your own feelings.
- Take time out when you need to.
For more information about coping with Christmas, please click here.
For information about Christmas and coronavirus, please click here.
Please click here for crisis support.
Call NHS 111 for 24/7 mental health advice for adults and children from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Doctor Vivek Khosla is from Oxford Health, which runs NHS mental health services in Bucks.
He says they understand it's been a tough time for many:
"Illness, bereavement, financial hardship, unemployment and stress.
"So I would like to say this has been a tough time and we are open.
"If people need support, they should contact our services to get the help they need."
NHS services are open
Chief Nurse at Bucks Healthcare, Karen Bonner, said:
"We are open and emergency services are really key, but we urge people to use the 111 service.
"That helps us to be clear about where best your care can be received - whether that is ambulatory, in the emergency department or in a virtual setting."
Helping the vulnerable
We are being asked to keep an eye on neighbours, but are also encouraged to seek help for ourselves where needed.
Bucks Council has a support line and service which you can find out more about here.
Citizens Advice are also available:
Foodbanks
Foodbanks are open and have been overwhelmed with donations in many cases.
You can find out more about foodbanks near you here
Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse also offer a service.