CHRISTMAS and new year may be festive for many people, but it can also be incredibly lonely for others, Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson says. Amid the carols, the presents, the family and frivolity – the festive period can also be a harsh reminder for some people that they are alone, struggling or grieving for a lost loved one. Ms Robinson said the number of crisis calls to Lifelines national 13 11 14 number is expected to double from just over 1000 calls the day before Christmas. READ ALSO: Man assaulted during violent break and enter at Kelso home “Our projected number of calls on Christmas Eve is 2500 calls, thats just in one day,” she said. “Its a time of year when things are highlighted, if you arent with loved ones or family, that raw loneliness is exacerbated over Christmas. “It can be the anniversary of a time you lost a loved one and you grieve the loss of that loved one, or it can be a reminder of the person who is no longer with us. READ ALSO: Very annoyed: Yvette Quinn breaks silence over lack of support from Nationals “You think about the one who you should be doing your Christmas shopping with or sharing that time with.” It is not just loneliness or the loss of a loved one that can make the festive period a difficult time for some people. Ms Robinson said Lifelines financial councillors were reporting an increase in the number of people calling for help. READ ALSO: Expecting a parcel delivery? Dont be conned by festive scammers “Theres pressure people have to provide Christmas presents and theres the debt they go into,” she said. Ms Robinson has urged people to drink responsibly during the festive period as excess alcohol consumption could lead to people “perhaps not holding their tongue like they should”. “We get lots and lots of calls from Boxing Day on around conflict that has occurred,” she said. All too often people put pressure on themselves to “get things done” or that “things will be different in the new year”, Ms Robinson said. She urged the community to keep a look out for neighbours or colleagues who might be on their own. “Even if you invite them in for a couple of hours on Christmas Day,” she said. “Its such a little thing, but it can make a difference.” READ ALSO: Regions Christmas cherries damaged by midnight special hail storm Also, do not ignore the fact that a loved one is no longer here. “People whove lost someone want to talk about them,” Ms Robinson said. Finally, she urged people to be aware of what was said in front of children, especially during times of tension. “Be mindful of the kids and what happens in front of them, be truly mindful of what is said in front of them, especially with your own parenting differences,” she said.
CHRISTMAS and new year may be festive for many people, but it can also be incredibly lonely for others, Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson says.
Amid the carols, the presents, the family and frivolity – the festive period can also be a harsh reminder for some people that they are alone, struggling or grieving for a lost loved one.
Ms Robinson said the number of crisis calls to Lifelines national 13 11 14 number is expected to double from just over 1000 calls the day before Christmas.
“Our projected number of calls on Christmas Eve is 2500 calls, thats just in one day,” she said.
“Its a time of year when things are highlighted, if you arent with loved ones or family, that raw loneliness is exacerbated over Christmas.
“It can be the anniversary of a time you lost a loved one and you grieve the loss of that loved one, or it can be a reminder of the person who is no longer with us.
“You think about the one who you should be doing your Christmas shopping with or sharing that time with.”
It is not just loneliness or the loss of a loved one that can make the festive period a difficult time for some people.
Ms Robinson said Lifelines financial councillors were reporting an increase in the number of people calling for help.
“Theres pressure people have to provide Christmas presents and theres the debt they go into,” she said.
Ms Robinson has urged people to drink responsibly during the festive period as excess alcohol consumption could lead to people “perhaps not holding their tongue like they should”.
“We get lots and lots of calls from Boxing Day on around conflict that has occurred,” she said.
What can you do to help?
All too often people put pressure on themselves to “get things done” or that “things will be different in the new year”, Ms Robinson said.
She urged the community to keep a look out for neighbours or colleagues who might be on their own.
“Even if you invite them in for a couple of hours on Christmas Day,” she said.
“Its such a little thing, but it can make a difference.”
Also, do not ignore the fact that a loved one is no longer here.
“People whove lost someone want to talk about them,” Ms Robinson said.
Finally, she urged people to be aware of what was said in front of children, especially during times of tension.
“Be mindful of the kids and what happens in front of them, be truly mindful of what is said in front of them, especially with your own parenting differences,” she said.
Join a free community Christmas lunch
- Bathurst – Hope Church, 220 Gilmour Street. Arrive at 12pm for a 12.30pm start. Read more.
- Cowra – Cowra Baptist Church. Call Reverend Austin Griffiths on 0429 421 294 to find out more.
- Lithgow – Christmas and Beyond luncheon at the Bible Church hall near Lithgow Hospital.
- Orange – to be held at the Orange Function Centre. Read more.
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Nyngan Observer
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