Blog Post: Building vital connections this Christmas

Last week at Action Homeless we hosted our annual Christmas Connections Week. Our brilliant support staff put on a range of activities for our clients across all our projects which gave people who are experiencing homelessness and living in temporary homes, the chance to make meaningful connections and enjoy time with their peers.

The festive period is especially challenging for those experiencing homelessness, it is often when people feel the most isolated and think more deeply about family connections. In the event of family breakdowns this is especially challenging.

Our teams are committed to helping people to feel a part of the community and we are very proud to create feelings of connection and belonging.

Some of the highlights of our week included special events for women experiencing homelessness. Although the number of women experiencing homelessness is smaller than that of men, their experiences are often very traumatic and can make them feel excluded from the world around them. Women’s only events therefore help encourage connections while being sensitive about specific needs and experiences. Snow Globe making at our Community Lounge was well attended and allowed an intimate and enjoyable event for all the women who attended.

There were more craft activities for people to take part in at our Stretton Road project where clients watched films and make Christmas baubles. Some of the clients here had experienced family breakdowns, something as simple as watching a film with a group of friends is great for peer connections and could really transform how someone is feeling at a lonely time of the year for so many. It was lovely to hear people sharing stories.

At our Flora Lodge service, which focuses on individuals who have come directly from the street and are often facing multiple challenges around housing and health, celebrating Christmas is especially important. For some, this will be the first Christmas they have been in accommodation having spent previous years on the street. Helping to foster connections and friendships during the period is very important, 8 out of 11 clients attended a baking event while music and snacks were enjoyed. The residents told us how much they enjoyed the day and there was lots of laughter to be heard.

At our family project, women and children were getting in the festive spirit by making wreathes to decorate their rooms. The children were joined by Rory the Reindeer who helped them decorate the tree and bake mince pies. It is important that despite going through a difficult and worrying time, children are able to enjoy a little Christmas magic and we are trying and give them the best Christmas possible. These are the first of the many Christmas events upcoming for them and across Action Homeless. Our Children’s Christmas party is always the highlight of the year, and we’re gearing up for a special visit from Santa.

“Wow! I can’t believe I’ve actually made this myself. My daughter is going to love it!”

Some of our clients have been able to use the Christmas Connections Week to deepen their relationship with family and make new friends, something as simple as making a wreath made a client very happy and proud as he knew his daughter would love it. Others gained confidence from trying a new activity and meeting new people. We believe that just because those who are experiencing homelessness may not be under the same roof or even together with friends and family at Christmas time, they should still feel the festive spirit and share this with their loved ones.

Our connections week was a great success and a huge range of staff and clients attended, together they made a lovely environment as we prepare to celebrate Christmas with events like our Big Christmas Lunch just around the corner.

You can help to ensure that people and families who are affected by homelessness can feel safe, seen and supported this Winter by making a donation to our Warm Up Winter appeal here.