“Our staff and volunteers keep working as the nights get darker…”
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The Caritas Advent appeal this year is asking us all to shine a spotlight on what is really important at Christmas.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the special animation at the bottom of this page, or find out other ways you can get involved by visiting our Bee There website page…
Here, Craig, who leads our social action teams, tells us why showing your support this Advent is so important when it comes to helping local people we work alongside…
What does your role at Caritas involve?
I’m the head of service for those projects doing social action within Caritas Salford.
This varies from advice work and pastoral support to resettling, teaching and training to gardening, growing and cooking!
It could also be in one of our centres, with a trusted partner agency, or in the wider community.
I support the wonderful staff and volunteers to offer this wide range of activity across the diocese and further afield.
What is Christmas like in your services? Is there a typical day?
In my four years of working with Caritas Salford, I’ve not yet seen a ‘typical day.’
In the build up to Christmas we do see some changes as people are preparing for higher household expenses, gift giving, and trying to show their involvement and contributions to friends and families during the festive period.
It’s a tough time for many people but we strive to bring hope and strength to people’s situations.
How do you support local people at this time of year – and beyond?
Our ability to be there, offering support, advice, information, relaxation and companionship doesn’t change throughout the year.
Our staff and volunteers keep working hard as the nights get darker.
The additions to our services are bringing in some more festive and fun events for people to gather together and enjoy.
Are you seeing more people who need support coming to your services recently? If so, why do you think that is?
Without question, there is an increase in people needing more support.
This is more than material support like food and fuel which are vital and directly related to cost-of-living increases and financial instability.
There is an increase in people who miss companionship, empathy, recognition and understanding too.
These are skills the social action team have in abundance – recognising each person as an individual, considering holistic needs and responding to the best of their ability.
Much of this is the result of more and more divisive language seen and used, as well as spotlighted, scapegoating and sensationalised stories which causes an ‘us and them’ response. Social media that shows affluence is common and, though often just a snapshot, can cause others to feel that they are missing out, have been forgotten or are being treated differently.
What do you wish people knew about your services or the people that access them, and our work as a charity?
That ‘everyone just needs to work harder and they will be fine.’ Life just doesn’t work that way.
We support so many people who are desperate to work and support themselves but are restricted through a disability where only what they can’t do is seen; who are legally prevented from working; where unfortunate and unexpected circumstances have overwhelmed them financially and mentally.
Even for those who are working, we are in a world where people in full-time employment still need to access food pantries to feed themselves and their families because the balance of income to essential outgoings is not actually balanced.
Caritas projects are with people for the long journey back to financial and health stability.
Why are appeals like the Advent appeal so important?
Caritas supports people who feel excluded, marginalised, forgotten, and often frightened.
We spend all year highlighting their strengths, their skills, their possibilities.
This takes investment in people through donations, time and money. The Advent appeal is an opportunity for communities across Greater Manchester and Lancashire to look at the positive changes Caritas makes and support us through the next year.
What would you say to people considering supporting Caritas this Christmas?
Call us. Text us. Email us. Tell us what you are thinking about. Tell us about how you can support people.
Our amazing fundraising team and all our staff can talk with you about how to donate items or money; give your time; organise events for awareness; recruit friends; spread the word…the options are endless. So, get in touch!
What is the true meaning of Christmas to you and how will you put it into action this year?
Christmas is about ‘finding the good’ which can be in others, or in yourself, in the year you’ve had or the year(s) ahead. It’s about spreading good news, building a connection and joining together in love.
How will you #BeeThere for others this Christmas?
Professionally – by doing what I can to make sure others have what they need to thrive.
Personally – by doing what I’m told!
What would you like to shine a spotlight on this Christmas?
The efforts people put in to make positive change. It’s everywhere if you look for it.
What’s really important at this time of year?
Patience. Stress levels soar around Christmas and it doesn’t hurt to give a little more time for someone.
Bee-yonce, Lewis Capal-bee…can you think of any other bee related stars?
The Honeyz, The Hives, The Bee-tles, Bee-nie Man, Sting, Pavarot-bee, Rob-bee Williams!
Click here to find out more about our services and how they support local people.