They’ll be there for you
The traditional family Christmas may feel very different this year. Perhaps this should come as no surprise given the way COVID-19 has upended our normal lives. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Parliament, “I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year” as he announced a five-day easing of restrictions to allow families to gather over the festive period.
But there is some hope on the horizon for a return to normality with news of vaccines. Families may also get a flavour of Christmas past by forming a bubble to meet indoors and out between December 23 and 28.
But large families may struggle to get together fully with the no more than three households allowed in the bubble and concerns over shielding elderly or vulnerable relatives.
Fears about being separated from your family at Christmas is one of the biggest concerns facing callers to Samaritans. The charity, which conducted a survey of its volunteers, said callers were also worried about how they will cope with being lonely during Yuletide.
A survey of more than 1,400 of the charity’s volunteers found that 27 per cent had spoken to callers, between August and October, who were feeling concerned about their wellbeing over Christmas and winter.
Other common concerns are people worrying about the wellbeing of loved ones who are already feeling lonely as a result of restrictions, and the impact of colder weather and shorter days.
Volunteers also said that people were feeling concerned about their financial situation, with many questioning if they will be able to pay bills and buy presents.
Last Christmas, Samaritans responded to over a quarter of a million calls for help. More than 10,000 calls for assistance came on Christmas Day alone.
Jason, 50, is one of those who has benefitted from Samaritans’ help at Christmas. He felt his whole world had fallen apart one Christmas after struggling with his mum’s death, breaking up with the mother of his son and the loss of his job. Jason said: “The hardship faced by people trying to cope with the pandemic reminds me how overwhelming everything became for me at Christmas, to the point that I didn’t feel or see that there was a benefit to being here. Thankfully my ex-wife noticed my struggles and convinced me to pick up the phone to Samaritans.
“Although it was one of the hardest things I have done – that phone call changed my life and put me on a new path. I had completely lost my way in life before the call. Samaritans gave me hope and helped me to find my purpose again. For me, it was the smallest thing with the greatest outcome.”
The survey posed the question: “What concerns, if any, have callers raised specifically about their wellbeing over Christmas and the winter period?”
A sense of bleakness, unease and uncertainty about changing restrictions and their effect on Christmas emerged. The main themes included family, loneliness, impact of the cold weather and short days and financial worries.
Thousands of dedicated Samaritans volunteers will be helping people to cope over the festive period. Around 1,500 are expected to make themselves available on Christmas Day alone.
Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley said: “It has been an unprecedented year with the pandemic affecting so many people’s health and wellbeing. It would be a tragedy if we weren’t there for those in distress.”
The charity is also encouraging people to look out for anyone who may be feeling lonely or isolated as we head into the festive season. They feel it is essential to look after our mental health, and others, by continuing to check in on anyone who may be struggling and to encourage them to reach out for support. There are several pillars of support like friends, family or a confidential helpline like Samaritans.
Samaritans’ volunteers are always there to listen, and they won’t judge or tell you what to do. You can call them for free on 116 123, email jo@ samaritans.org or visit www. samaritans.org for more information.
The charity is also asking people to donate to its Christmas appeal so it can continue to be there for those who need emotional support. Making a donation for as little as £5 will help Samaritans answer a call for help from somebody struggling this Christmas.