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Monday 19 December 2016

Christmas and alone?

Christmas is that funny time of year where there's tinsel and brightly coloured decorations everywhere - and yet for some, desperation beckons. Isolation and despair can be reflected in every shiny bauble, illuminated in every twinkling light; in a world that's bustling with people in every direction you look, its strangely easy to feel so miserably alone.

Funnily enough, I spoke about this yesterday with someone who is suffering and feeling alone. I hope that my conversation helped and I hope that for at least those few minutes, the person knew that here was someone who gave a damn.

And I'm not alone, am I? Because we all give a damn. That's the exact reason so many of us frazzle ourselves at Christmas, trying to catch up with as many friends and family as possible. But what about those of us who have no family? Whose friends are all busy with their own extended families? It's these people who are hit the hardest.

So if you fall into that category [and before my children, I did for many, many years] then don't suffer in silence. Speak to someone, a friend or a neighbour, and get out of the house as much as you can.

And remember - there's always another door to be opened, another window to let light through. You just need to reach forward, someone will be on the other side.

If that seems just too much, please, please phone the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

Merry Christmas. XXX