This winter, many people will be facing difficulties with the cost of living and the energy crisis. Linking with organisations that operate across the diocese, here are some positive ways you can make a difference in people’s lives, not just at Christmas but in the New Year too.
Help keep warm spaces open this winter
The majority of people running warm spaces are volunteers – and extra hands are always welcome to help offer this valuable resource to people looking to get out of the cold. Contact one of the locations on our list of warm spaces to offer your time or find out if there are warm spaces in your area that you might be able to help with.
Warm spaces in the Diocese this winter – Diocese of Gloucester (anglican.org)
Support The Children’s Society at Christingle
Christingle services around the Diocese offer an opportunity to donate to the work of The Children’s Society. Search A Church Near You to find a Christingle service in your area, A Church Near You or donate online at: What Is Christingle? | The Children’s Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
Donate your Winter Fuel Payment
Fuel poverty is at crisis levels, the worst we have seen in decades. National Energy Action is working to help as many people as they can, so they are asking those who are able to donate their Winter Fuel Payment, to help those in desperate need of support. Your donation will mean they can be there to help vulnerable people stay warm and safe this winter.
Donate – National Energy Action (NEA)
Donate food and toiletries to a foodbank
Your local foodbank is busier than ever before.
To donate food and toiletries, you can view the list of items that they need most and locate your nearest collection point on their website.
Host a meal as part of The Longest Table
Can you host a meal this December? The Long Table is asking people to host their own Longest Table between Friday 9 December and Sunday 18 December (though if you want to do one outside of those dates, please do). Together, all the meals will create The Longest Table. All the events will build connections and communities, as well as raise money so that even more people are fed.
The Longest Table — The Long Table (thelongtableonline.com)
Cook for Gloucester City Mission’s winter shelter
The shelter is open every night throughout winter until 31 March 2023. The team would very much welcome volunteers to come in the New Year and cook for the clients in the evening. The maximum number of clients is 15 and food can be prepared at the shelter or off-site and brought in for serving. Typically, volunteers are needed between 8pm and 10pm. Email ku.gr1730812743o.noi1730812743ssimy1730812743ticso1730812743lg@es1730812743iuol1730812743 or call 07783 588661.
How you can help | Glos City Mission
Donate tents and sleeping bags to Cheltenham Open Door
Cheltenham Open Door is looking for donations of tents (up to four-man) and sleeping bags (the ones that stuff down small), not just now, but all year. So if you have any gathering dust, they would love them for their guests.
Do contact Kelly on ku.gr1730812743o.coi1730812743dsolg1730812743@newo1730812743k1730812743 if you are looking for volunteers to support the community this winter.