winter-friends

This Christmas, people from across Norfolk and Suffolk are being encouraged to give their friends and families one of the simplest and cheapest gifts, but nevertheless one which can make the biggest of differences: their time. 

The Norfolk and Suffolk Palliative Care Academy is urging everyone in the two counties to give just a few minutes or hours to help the people they love in the run up to the festive season. Whether it’s helping an older relative to put up decorations, picking up shopping for a friend without transport or visiting a neighbour who lives alone, all can make a big difference to another person’s quality of life.

The initiative forms part of the Academy’s ongoing ‘be ready for it’ campaign, which encourages people to talk openly to their family, friends and carers about their wishes at the end of their lives and plan for their future – regardless of their age. It is hoped that people will share the idea through social media, and will inspire others by tweeting about their own efforts using the hashtag ‘#GiftTime’.

The scheme comes as NHS Choices launches its own programme, called “winter friends”, which encourages people to look out for older relatives and friends when the weather turns cold.

Maggie Parsons, project lead, said: “The main aim of the ‘be ready for it campaign’ is to help raise awareness of end of life issues and break down taboos about death by encouraging people to talk to each other and plan for their future.

“But in the run up to Christmas, we wanted to inspire people to do something positive for their friends and family – regardless of whether they are nearing the end of their life – by simply giving a little of their time. This could be to do something as simple as just sitting and chatting, or offering help with a chore.

“By giving your time, you’ll not only make a real difference to others, but will also make yourself feel great and boost your own quality of life.”

To take part, simply fulfil your good deed then inspire others by sharing it on Twitter using the #GiftTime hashtag. For inspirational tips and daily ideas for things you could do to help your friends and family during the campaign, follow @be_ready_for_it

For more information about the ‘be ready for it’ campaign, useful checklists to help you plan for your own, or someone else’s death, sources of support and the chance to put together your own bucket list, visit www.bereadyforit.org.uk

For more information about the academy, email [email protected]. To find out more about winter friends, visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/winter-friends-pledge.aspx

 

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