“check-in” this Christmas and holidays

While many take the opportunity at Christmas to catch up with family and friends, others can be isolated or unable to participate in celebrations.  Community inclusion organisation annecto, is encouraging people to “check-in” with people in their community this Christmas and over the holiday season.

Connecting the community through casual interaction can be as simple as saying hello or dropping a small gift to a neighbour.

annecto’s Northern Region  Manager Cassie Tointon believes if every person aims to contact one person in their street or community, this would go a long way to spreading a sense of well beingand social inclusion.

“Some people live alone, or have family who live inter-state.   Everyone has different experiences in life and circumstances which may mean Christmas is not the best time of year for them.  The challenge is to build that sense of community back in through being aware and perhaps performing a small gesture toward a neighbour.”

Some suggestions on how to “check-in”:

• say hello or stop to chat to a neighbour who you haven’t spoken to before. 
• baking muffins?   Make extra and drop a few to the person next door. 
• pop a Christmas card or small gift in the mail box of someone you know who lives alone or has family living far away.

The holiday season may also be particularly difficult for people who rely on support services for their social interaction.  Encouraging the community to “check-in” during this time may positively affect an individual’s experience of the Christmas holidays.