You are not alone

It’s almost Christmas time! For many, the festive season conjures up images of spending time with loved ones sharing far too much food, unwrapping gifts and lots of laughter.

However, for others, the Christmas period can be an exceptionally lonely and sad time.

Whether you’ve lost a loved one, are experiencing ill health, financial pressure, or estrangement or isolation from loved ones, yuletide is not always ‘merry and bright’.

Did you know that Lifeline receives a call every 32 seconds during the Christmas period? Every 32 seconds – let’s think about that for a moment.

Unfortunately, existing problems seem even worse at Christmas and there is a lot of emphasis placed on how it should be a time for celebrating with loved ones.

Of course, we all know that that’s not always as easy as it sounds. However, no one should ever feel embarrassed to ask for help or share how lonely they’re feeling – remember, a problem shared is a problem halved.

The Wimmera has so many amazing support services, from the Salvation Army to the Christmas Day lunch at the Horsham Uniting Church, and even our very own Wimmera Social Support Services. If you take one thing away from this column, I would like you to remember this: you are not alone. Whether you’re spending the holiday period with your actual family – or with the family you have created – be it a friend, a neighbour, or a work colleague, you are not alone.

Of course, volunteering is also a great way to keep yourself engaged.

Maybe you have been thinking about volunteering, or maybe you’re planning on making it a New Year’s resolution; whatever your reason we’d love to have you on board. The Centre for Participation wishes you a very merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, happy new year.