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Board Manager's Blog (December 2024) Tue 17 Dec 2024

Darren Minton, Board Manager of BDSCP & BSAB Business Partnership talks about staying connected, community and keeping warm this winter.

 

 

December Blog 2024 - "Staying Connected, Safe, and Warm This Winter"

Seasonal greetings to you all.  December is a time of celebration and connection for many, but it can also bring challenges, especially as the colder months settle in and the pressures of the festive season mount. This month, we're focusing on loneliness, avoiding financial traps, and keeping warm this winter, offering practical advice and resources to help you and those around you stay safe and supported.

Tackling Loneliness During the Festive Season

While December is often seen as a time of joy and togetherness, it can be a period of loneliness and isolation for many people. Older adults, may feel disconnected from friends and family, but loneliness can affect anyone at any age.

How to Help Yourself or Others:

  • Stay Connected: A small act of reaching out, whether a phone call, a visit, or even a Christmas card, can make a big difference. Those feeling lonely should consider joining a local community group or attending festive events.
  • Befriending Services: Organisations like Age UK offer befriending services and provide companionship to older adults. Please find out more at their website: Age UK Befriending Services.
  • Be a Good Neighbour: Check in on your neighbours or those who might be alone. A simple "hello" can brighten someone's day and remind them they're not forgotten.

For additional tips and support, visit the NHS page - Loneliness in Older People

Avoiding Financial Traps This Christmas

Christmas is often a time of increased spending; for some, this means taking on debt to provide gifts, food, and celebrations. Sadly, this is also when illegal money lenders, or "loan sharks," prey on vulnerable individuals.

What Are Loan Sharks?

Loan sharks are individuals or groups who lend money without the correct license. They often seem helpful at first but charge incredibly high interest rates, use threats, and even resort to violence to enforce repayment. Their activities can lead to severe financial hardship, stress, and even exploitation.

How the Illegal Money Lending Team Can Help.

The Stop Loan Sharks Team is a government-funded organisation tackling illegal money lending. They can:

  • Investigate and prosecute loan sharks.
  • Support victims by offering confidential advice and practical help.
  • Educate communities to recognise and avoid illegal lending.

If you or someone you know is affected, you can contact the Stop Loan Sharks Team for free, confidential support at Stop Loan Sharks.

What You Can Do Instead:

  • Seek advice from legitimate financial services or charities that can help you manage your money.
  • Set realistic budgets for Christmas spending and remember it's the thought that counts, not the price tag of a gift.
  • Consider community resources, such as food banks or Christmas charity drives, to ease some of the financial pressures.

Keeping Warm This Winter

With rising energy costs, staying warm during the colder months has become more challenging for many households. Cold weather can significantly impact physical health, particularly for older adults, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Tips to Stay Warm and Safe:

  • Layer Up: Wearing multiple layers of clothing traps more heat than a single thick layer.
  • Heat Key Rooms: Focus on keeping your living room and bedroom warm, ideally around 18–21°C.
  • Use Hot Water Bottles and Blankets: These can help keep you warm without needing to turn up the thermostat.
  • Eat Warm Meals: Regular hot meals and drinks warm you up and provide energy to keep your body heat stable.
  • Check Your Energy Tariff: Contact your energy provider to see if you're eligible for schemes like the Warm Home Discount or Cold Weather Payments.

For more advice on staying warm and welcoming spaces ,managing energy costs, visit:

A Message of Hope This Festive Season

As we approach the end of 2024, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of looking out for one another. Whether it's sharing a smile with a stranger, offering support to a neighbour, or reaching out to a loved one, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

This time of year is about connection, compassion, and hope, no matter how you choose to celebrate—or even if you don't. Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, a personal milestone, or simply marking the end of another year, this is a season of reflection and renewal. Together, we can create a safer, stronger, and more supportive Bradford community.

Looking ahead to 2025, we're excited to celebrate Bradford as the UK City of Culture. This incredible recognition is a testament to our community's creativity, diversity, and resilience. As we prepare for a year of events, connection, and celebration, let's continue to support one another and carry this spirit of togetherness into the New Year.

On behalf of the Safeguarding Partnership, I wish you all a safe, warm, and joyous festive season and a hopeful start to 2025.

Take care and see you in 2025

Darren Minton

Safeguarding Business Manager