“A time to slow down, appreciate what we have and reach out to others.”

If you haven’t yet seen it, this year our Caritas Advent appeal is asking us all to shine a spotlight on what is really important at Christmas. Scroll down the page to watch the special animation if you haven’t seen it too…

Here, Katie, Erin, Musaab, Ryan, Abdelnasir, and Aidan, who all give their time to our charity as conversation and centre volunteers in our Aspire team, tell us more about what Christmas means to them…

What does Caritas and our service mean to you? 

Musaab: “Caritas represents compassion, community, and opportunity. It’s great to see such an organisation in our local community to help.”

Aidan: “The service Caritas offers is very important to me as I believe everyone deserves a chance at education.” 

Erin: “I think Caritas is a great service that provides support to people in the community that really need it.”

Katie: “I’m an ESOL tutor. Caritas is my employer and my opportunity to work with a group of people that I want to help.” 

Abdelnasir: “Caritas is my home. It is a place where I find myself happier, safer, and communicative. Since I came to the UK, I have studied in three different places to improve my English language, but they are nothing compared with what I have got from Caritas. My main role here is to help students to gain a better understanding of the English language.”  

Ryan: “Caritas has a positive impact on the community and provides help to those who need it.”

What is the true meaning of Christmas to you and how will you put it into action this year?    

Katie: “As a Christian, it’s an important reminder of God coming to the world as a human and experiencing life as we do.” 

Musaab: “For me, Christmas is about kindness, reflection, and giving, not just gifts but through time and presence.” 

Ryan: “To me Christmas is all about family and loved ones. I’ll be spending as much time with them as possible.” 

Erin: “Showing love and care to those that are important to you, counting your blessings and being grateful. I will spend time with my loved ones and show up for them.”  

Aidan: “Spending more time with loved ones.” 

Abdelnasir: “We live in a diverse world where everyone has something to share with the others. So, I am always there to give my best.” 

How will you #BeeThere for others this Christmas?  

Aidan: “Checking in on close ones.” 

Abdelnasir: “I am always trying to be the first one here to help others and find a way to make them feel comfortable.”  

Katie: “I’ll continue to teach and support ad listen to my students who might be struggling with homelessness, lack of food or advice. And where possible, to signpost to different help.”  

Ryan: “By being positive and helping out where I can.” 

Erin: “Spending time, showing appreciation through gifts and actions. Being more giving overall however I can.” 

What would you like to shine a spotlight on this Christmas?  

Ryan: “Our community and being there for those who need some help, especially at this time of year.” 

Musaab: “Shine a spotlight on the importance of inclusion by ensuring everyone feels part of our community.” 

Aidan: “Christmas markets are too expensive!” 

What’s really important at this time of year?  

Katie: “Because of the weather, a roof over our heads and food to eat. And companionship.” 

Abdelnasir: “I think it would be really important if we could have a chance to be all together in one place to celebrate this Christmas as a family.”  

Ryan: “Family, friends, and community.” 

Aidan: “Helping others wherever you can.” 

Erin: “Being kind to one another, being mindful that it may be harder for some.” 

Musaab: “It’s time to slow down, appreciate what we have and reach out to those who may be struggling.”

Thank you to Katie, Abdelnasir, Ryan, Aidan, Erin, and Musaab for taking the time to speak to us this Advent.

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Click here to find out more about our Aspire service and how it supports people.