How to Survive Christmas if you're lonely

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.

“Everyone who comes to us is referred by a professional agency; health workers, doctor’s etcetera. Sometimes families arrive in town and, due to difficult circumstances, find themselves homeless and with nothing.

“We provide bedding, coats, boots, and warm winter clothing.

“Last year we helped 5,000 people in Hastings and Rother and this year there was an extra 1,000 people on the list. This meant that we had to find an extra £5,000 to buy additional food vouchers.”

Tesco food vouchers are given to disadvantaged families, and, as with those receiving a food hamper, each member of the family receives a Christmas present. These brand new gifts are donated by churches, schools, businesses or individuals.

Judith said: “We are given details and the ages of who is living in the household and we make sure there is an appropriate present for everyone.”

For first-time volunteer Graham said he had enjoyed the experience of helping others at the Surviving Christmas project: “It’s a superb event and it has been really satisfying. Sometimes you have to give yourself a wake-up call and realise there are people out there who need your help. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

And, if ever the proof was in the pudding that the charity is very much appreciated by those who have benefited from it, a number of local folk who enjoyed the Surviving Christmas hospitality at the YMCA admitted that, without the charity’s help, they wouldn’t have had much to enjoy over the festive period.

John from St Leonards said: “If I didn’t come here I’d have no where else to go. It’s a lovely communal atmosphere and an ideal place to team up with people.”

Gillian, also from St Leonards, said: “This is absolutely lovely; it has been a marvellous place to come too.”

Hastings residents Aileen and Ellie enjoyed making the most of the free clothes on offer. Aileen said the charity has “helped so many people it’s unreal”, adding: “They put on a fantastic Christmas dinner and you can socialise. They do a fantastic service and can’t do enough for you.”

• Surviving Christmas still needs donations, for further information visit the website at: www.survivingchristmas.co.uk