How to Survive Christmas if you're lonely

CHRISTMAS for thousands of homeless, lonely, disadvantaged, and housebound Hastings and Rother residents was a more festive occasion than it otherwise might have been thanks to the help and hospitality provided by the Surviving Christmas charity.

Now in its 25th year, the charity is dedicated to helping local people in need at Christmas, providing food hampers, food vouchers, and a three-day festive event.

Throughout Christmas a team of volunteers travelled around the local area, surprising hundreds of elderly and housebound residents with food hampers containing essentials which included tea, sugar, bread, toiletries, fruit and a small gift. Food vouchers averaging £25, and gifts, were given to disadvantaged families, whilst homeless, lonely and disadvantaged guests were welcomed at a three-day Open Christmas (December 25, 26, 27), held at the YMCA in St Paul’s Road, St Leonards on Sea.

Along with a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, invited guests at the YMCA also had the opportunity to have a free haircut, provided by professional hairdressers, choose clothes, shoes, or bedding, from a vast range of donated items in the clothing store and the opportunity to socialise.

The charity’s chairman, Judith Wycherley, said the Surviving Christmas event takes a year to plan, costs around £40,000, and takes a lot of hard work from a team of dedicated volunteers.

She praised people for their generosity and the many fund-raising events held throughout the year and explained how people are referred to the charity.

“Considering the current economic situation people have been as generous as they can be. Whilst it wouldn’t be fair to single out one group, several churches in Bexhill have been brilliant, and St Richards Catholic College presented a cheque for £1,400 plus a van load of food, toys and gifts - which they do every year. It’s magnificent.