The festive season is already upon us and is for many a time for merriment, but it is a sad fact that some will be spending time on their own without connection to family, friends, or those within their community.

There are many ways in which you can give back this festive season to help those who may be experiencing loneliness and need some support. Connecting with people in Bromley can be done on your doorstep. Checking on your neighbour can be a small gesture which goes a long way to help someone who may be experiencing loneliness, especially at this time of year. Small acts of kindness such as offering to pick up some groceries or a small gift such as a packet of biscuits is always appreciated, and they might even offer to share them with you over a cup of tea.

Volunteering your time is another great way to help support people within the borough who may feel alone this festive season. Age UK Bromley and Greenwich, CarePlus, The Dementia Support HUB and Mindful Mums are all in need of befrienders and the gift of your time and compassion would be most welcome.

Community Links Bromley is a hub for volunteering - a great way not only to help others, but also to ignite new social connections with like-minded individuals.

Another great place to find local groups and activities is Simply Connect Bromley, a new online site which brings together local services in one place and Bromley Well is also worth a visit with many events throughout the year and a website packed with useful information on leading a fulfilling life, no matter your circumstances.

Councillor Diane Smith, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health said: “A little kindness goes a long way, and this is an ideal time to give your time to neighbours, friends and family, especially those who would really benefit from a little time spent catching up. The Simply Connect website and our voluntary sector partners have plenty of ideas on how people can enrich their lives and it would be great if those of us who are digitally enabled could share some of this information with those not online. Whatever you do this Christmas, why not take the goodwill of the season on into the New Year and make someone’s day with a kind gesture.”

Helpful sites:

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/loneliness

https://bromley.simplyconnect.uk/

https://www.bromleywell.org.uk/

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/befriending

ENDS

  • For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark in Corporate Communications, on 020 8461 7911 or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk

Published: 22nd December 2022