Goodwill to all

Acts of kindness come in all shapes and sizes – try some of these ways to give back this festive season Make friends – The Age UK befriending service connects lonely older people with someone in their local area. Give just half an hour of your time each week to make a huge difference to someone else’s life. Find out more by calling 0800 169 8787 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk

■ Buy a gift – ask your friends and family to give to charity instead of buying a gift for you. You can buy a gift for someone in need who won’t otherwise receive anything at all through charities such as 52 Lives, which buys gifts for more than 1,000 people every year. Visit www.52-lives.org

■ Look out for a neighbour

– pay attention to your neighbours and look in on the people on your street who are by themselves, have lost a loved one or could just benefit from your support. Why not cook some extra food and leave it for a busy family, or perhaps put out your neighbour’s bins?

Just letting people know that you’re thinking of them can make all the difference.

■ Buy a suspended coffee – or a suspended snack. When you treat yourself to a cuppa and a slice of cake, ask the person serving you if you can pre-pay for a hot drink or snack for someone who can’t afford one. Many of the big coffee shops now offer this service.

■ Give your time – volunteer at a local charity shop, hospital, homeless shelter or care home to support people in your area.

■ Donate food – food banks help people who are struggling to put food on the table. You can find one in your area by calling the Trussell Trust on 01722 580 180, or by checking local listings. They often have a list of food that they’re short of, so it’s worth double checking before donating.

■ Smile and speak – don’t forget that even little things make a difference – smiling and chatting to a shop assistant, paying someone a compliment, carrying someone’s shopping, or paying for their parking could all help to brighten the other person’s day – and will make you feel happier too!