Will you shout loudly for change this Advent?
Our Advent appeal this year is asking us all to consider – as well as the shopping, the parties and the Christmas lights – thinking of others in our communities for whom the festive season doesn’t feel like joy and warmth.
Here, Annabeth our policy and influencing officer tells us more about ways we might be able to do that…
We know that many people don’t have the basics – food on the table, heating for their homes, or maybe even a safe and secure place to call home. This is why our #BeeThere appeal is so vital, as your support can help us walk alongside people in need this Christmas, and help them to transform their lives.
As well as being there for people at our services, we call for changes to the policies and systems that can prevent people from having even the basics, as well the opportunity to transform their lives with dignity. We know that sustainable change is so important and we believe that policymaking must enable all people to be able to thrive.
We work to raise awareness and engage with decision makers to advocate for changes such as a guaranteed minimum amount of Universal Credit which means people can afford the essentials, and an end to the two-child benefit cap which pulls more children and families into poverty each day.
Your support of our Advent appeal helps us to keep calling for lasting change, as well as continuing to provide a practical response to those experiencing hardship who come to our services. Even if a financial donation isn’t possible for you at the moment, and you can just do one small thing, there are lots of ways to #BeeThere for others this Christmas.
You can help us to shout loudly for change. Look out for and share our monthly policy updates. These updates let you know how you can join us in raising your voice against the injustices facing so many people in our communities.
You could also share our posts on social media to help raise awareness and encourage others to get involved too (scroll to the bottom of this website page and you can click the social media icons there to view our accounts).
You may also want to see how you could make a difference in your local community. This might look like signposting people to one of our services or volunteering with one of our teams to be part of a practical response those in need.
Even if we all just take one action, however small, we can help people to transform their lives and #BeeThere for those who need it this Christmas.
If you’ve not yet seen our Bee There Advent appeal animation – you can watch it below now, and please donate if you can.
Every penny really does help us support more local people like those our teams work alongside in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Thank you.
To find out more about this year’s #BeeThere appeal, take a look at this page on our website: www.caritassalford.org.uk/beethere