‘Festive Feelgood’ – five ways to make a difference in December

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December is a time when our thoughts naturally turn to others. It’s also a time when people who are on their own can feel even more lonely and isolated. The Looking After Each Other campaign has highlighted five ways that you can really make a difference to others in December.

  1. Make a decision to find out about Fostering

Nottingham City Council is on the lookout for some special people to make 2017 a year to remember for children and young people who need new families.

There is no one type of person who makes a good foster carer. However, certain experiences, skills and abilities are essential. With the number of children coming into care at an all-time high, we urgently need more foster carers to come forward. Fostering may be unlike anything you have ever done before.

Find out how you can help at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/foster

2. Keep older people warm and well

As winter temperatures kick in it’s really important to look after yourself and others by staying warm and well. There are easy things you can do to help yourself stay healthy over the winter…

Keep warm

  • Use a thermostat or room thermometer to make sure your main living room is heated to at least 18C (64F)
  • Get heating, radiators and boilers serviced to reduce the risk of breakdown in cold weather
  • Wear extra layers of clothing whether you are inside or outside
  • Eat at least one hot meal every day and have plenty of warm drinks
  • Keep moving and stay as active as possible

Get a flu jab

You can protect yourself with a free flu jab if you are:

  • Aged 65 and over
  • Pregnant
  • Aged two-to-four
  • A carer
  • Living in a residential or nursing home
  • Living with a long term condition such as a heart problem, kidney or liver disease, respiratory disease, lowered immunity, diabetes, neurological condition or stroke

Contact your GP to get your free flu jab or visit www.nhs.uk/flu for full details on who is eligible.

3. Extra place for Christmas Dinner

The festive period is a great time to think about others. If you know someone who is going to be on their own this December, why not set an extra place for Christmas dinner? There’s always so much to go round – and it can make a huge difference to someone who might otherwise spend this festive time on their own.

4. Make time for your neighbours

Be aware of vulnerable neighbours or friends during December, make sure they’re warm enough, and have enough food or medicine if they are struggling to get out of the house. A little can go a long way – checking in on elderly neighbours can really give them a boost. Sometimes it’s a few minutes company as much as picking something up from the shops.

Don’t know how to start? There are some great tips here: http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action/get-to-know-your-neighbours-better

5. Do an act of kindness

Go on! Get the ultimate sense of ‘Festive Feelgood’. Do something kind for someone else in December: free tea, free coffee, buy a sandwich for a stranger, free hugs! There’s loads of ways to Pay it Forward. Doing a good deed for someone else is also more likely to inspire them to do a good deed in turn. It’s a ripple effect. There’s loads of ideas on the official website.

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