‘Tis the season to be caring, sharing and looking after one another. This Christmas we’re encouraging people to spend their free time supporting family, friends and neighbours to ensure a merry Christmas for one and all

Combatting Isolation
Half a million older people in the UK go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone. For many of these people, Christmas can just be another day spent alone. 

Everyone can provide support this Christmas for a lonely person. It can be as simple as wishing someone a Merry Christmas at the supermarket, taking ten minutes to call a relative living in isolation, or delivering a Christmas card to a neighbour. 

You could visit your neighbour and enjoy a mince pie together or include an extra chair at your Christmas dinner. This year Otter Garden Centres will be preparing a free Christmas dinner for any elderly resident or couple alone on Christmas Day living within the town or surrounding villages.

Age UK run a social support service that matches volunteers with isolated or lonely older people near you. This runs year-round to match people together for a regular tea and chat and, at this time of year, some Christmas cheer. Call 0333 241 2340 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/devon 

Youth loneliness is prevalent at this time of year too. YMCA Exeter continue to work with young people to provide support and build connections that are especially vital at this time of year. Find out more at www.ymcaexeter.org.uk 

For those online, comedian Sarah Millican is inviting people to come together and chat using the #JoinIn hashtag on Twitter.

Cost of Living Cosy Spaces
With rampantly rising energy costs, for many it can be a choice between staying warm or eating and paying other bills. Local organisations are organising safe, warm spaces to come together.

Westbank Community Health and Care, based in Exminster, has opened its doors as part of a new volunteer-led initiative (supported by Devon County Council) to provide a warm and welcoming space to those challenged by the continual rise in the cost of living. The former Seedlings Cafe has been transformed into a comfortable, cosy space with a lounge and dining area where people can drop in for something warm to eat and drink and an opportunity to socialise. As well as hot drinks, people can help themselves to a free nourishing bowl of soup and stock up on complimentary produce from the food larder and community fridge. Find out more at www.westbank.org.uk/warmwell 

Community Feeding
If you’re able, add a few extra items to your shopping trolley and donate to your local foodbank at donation points in local supermarkets. Choosing to donate something small over that extra treat could mean the world to someone struggling. If that someone is you, don’t be too proud to seek help.

Donate a Christmas Present
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal is one popular example of how you can give new, unused toys and gifts for children who would otherwise go without this Christmas. Suitable donations for children 0-16 years of age are welcomed. Find your nearest location at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal 

Help is available year-round, not just for Christmas. For hundreds of charities and organisations offering help and support, visit www.pinpointdevon.co.uk