You don’t have to be lonely this Christmas

CHRISTMAS can be a hard time of year for a lot of people, however services and groups in Westbury are on hand to ease you through the season and beyond, particularly if you live alone, are without much money to spare or suffering illness or disability.

Westbury is hoping to help keep spirits high this festive season with support from local groups and clubs and sports teams, offering everything from counselling to informal chats.

Groups and organisations which are providing help this festive season include Crosspoint, The Food Bank, local sports groups and a new Westbury Facebook group, ‘Buddy Me’, which aims to help combat loneliness.

Crosspoint in Westbury is a charity that provides a  place where vulnerable residents can go for help and support with either emotional, psychological, health, housing or financial needs.

They say, “‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ – or so goes the Christmas song. But that isn’t the case for everyone. Particularly for those who live alone, are estranged from family, without much money to spare or suffering illness or disability, it can be quite the opposite.

“This is where our team of volunteers at Crosspoint can help. The Welcome Centre in the Market Place will be open for a number of drop-in sessions over the Christmas and New Year period for anyone who wants to come to the centre for a cup of tea and chat, to use the computers or to access information about local services.”

Hilary Fairfield, a Crosspoint trustee said, “We would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone visiting the centre over the Christmas season. We are aware that this can be a particularly difficult time of year for many people, so do come in and see us and you will be amongst friends.”

The Food Bank, which also operates from Crosspoint, in conjunction with Warminster Food Bank, will be open for those who are in crisis and without food over the Christmas and New Year period. 

Crosspoint’s opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period will be: Saturday 21 December 10am – 12.30pm, Monday 23 December 2.30pm – 5pm, Saturday 28 December 10am – 12.30pm, Monday 30 December 2.30pm – 5pm, Friday 2 January 2.30pm – 5pm.

Hilary continued, “Our volunteers are also pleased to receive donations of food, toiletries and money for us to use for the benefit of people who are in need.”

Westbury Town Council have also recently introduced an informal men’s group, to encourage men to get together and chat.

They said, “The men’s group is going really well, with members regularly turning up for a coffee, snacks and a chat.

 “Any man from the area is invited to ‘just turn up’ at 7pm on Mondays at the Laverton. Some guys come along and want to share things, while others prefer just to have a cup of tea and listen to others. 

“It’s all about getting out of the house and knowing there are plenty of other people experiencing the same things. All welcome. The men’s group will be running all the way until December 23rd.”

A Westbury woman, Bex Jones, has also created an inclusive Facebook group, ‘Buddy Me’, to  help combat loneliness in Westbury and surrounding towns. 

The Facebook page was created by Bex in March this year after seeing multiple posts on Facebook’s ‘Spotted’ pages talking about loneliness and isolation. 

Now, the group has over 1,000 members who organise events, share stories and make friends. 

If you want to make new friends or you are new to the area, search ‘Buddy Me’ on Facebook and become part of the growing community. 

If you would like to start a new hobby and are into sport, Westbury has a number of sports teams that always welcome new players as well as volunteers. There is also plenty of crafting groups.

Westbury Rugby Club  has both a men’s and a ladies’ team. Men train on a Thursday from 7pm-8.30pm, and women train on a Wednesday 7pm-8.30pm at Knott Field behind the White Horse Country Park, with no experience needed.

Chairman of Westbury RFC Gareth Vaughan said, “We are always looking for volunteers and players alike at the club. I would encourage anyone if they are interested, even if its just to spectate on a Saturday or Sunday, come on down to Westbury Rugby Club where you will be made to feel welcome in whatever capacity you wish to help, you won’t regret it”

If you don’t know where to start or where to go for help, or to meet new people, Steven Hubbard, the local area coordinator for Westbury and Dilton Marsh is on hand to help.

He said, “I feel privileged to be the local area coordinator. Working within my community allows me to meet new people on a daily basis and to spend real quality time with them. I can support people and families to become more connected, resilient and active within our community. 

“Sometimes that can seem difficult and daunting, what with the pressures of everyday life, but there are so many fantastic people, groups and clubs within our community that are welcoming and inclusive, sometimes we just need to connect the people!

“If you feel that you’d like a little help and support to access the community again, please feel free to get in touch on Steven.hubbard@wiltshire.gov.uk or 07920 503803.”

For a full list of clubs, groups and societies in and around Westbury visit: https://www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk/dept/clubs-groups-societies/.