Christmas Kindness

Christmas should be a season of kindness and generosity. Below are some ways to express kindness this Christmastime.

Be Kind To Yourself – Christmas can be full of all kinds of pressures. Remember to treat yourself with kindness.

- Open Mind– an independent charity that supports people with mental health issues.

A weekly drop-in safe space for anyone experiencing mental health challenges of any description.
You are guaranteed a listening and understanding ear. Completely free of any charge, a confidential service available to anyone over the age of 16 years, without a need for a referral.

We offer 1:1 support with a trained volunteer for anxiety, depression and any other form of mental health disorder. Whether you need short-term support when a conversation would help, or longer-time support we are here.

Just come along, see if we can help.
Every Wednesday 10.00am to 12.00noon in the Methodist Church Hall (behind Church),
Contact:openmindinfo8@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook –www.facebook.com/openmindhaverhill

Show Kindness Towards Others – Kindness can be shown in so many ways, but when it comes to Christmas remember that you don’t need to spend much on gifts for the people you care about; it really is the act of kindness itself that is treasured and meaningful.

Meaningful, affordable gifts such as:

Write a note of gratitude to someone – a neighbour, teacher, dustman, relative
Cook or bake for someone – see our ‘Taste of Christmas’ section for recipes and videos on how to make sausage rolls, or Christmas dinner on a budget
Make something festive, from materials you already have – some examples here https://www.prudentpennypincher.com/100-best-christmas-crafts/
Give an act of service to show you care, such as making dinner, fix the gate, clear the pathway of snow,
Spending time is the most meaningful gift to give – why not teach/learn a skill together eg knitting, drawing, running, woodworking

Help Avoid Loneliness – It can be a difficult time of year for many reasons. There are friendly local places so that you don’t have to feel alone, or maybe you can attend to help another person avoid loneliness this winter.

- Top Time, Haverhill Library- social group for older people (10AM session)

Every Wednesday Haverhill Library 10:00 - 11:00 Free entry

Come along to our social group for older people and join in with our activities. Get involved with games and chat with others. Refreshments will be available for a small donation.

Booking is required. Contact the library directly on 01440 848095 to book your place.

- Slow Stitch Club

First Friday of the month Clare Library, 14:30 - 16:00 - Free entry

Join us for our monthly Slow Stitch Club! Come along to the library for the chance to engage in a mindful slow stitching project in a supportive group using a variety of repurposed textiles and threads.

Booking is required. Contact the library on 01787 277702 to book your place.

- Top Time, Long Melford Library- social group for older people

Every Wednesday Long Melford Library 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Free entry

Join in with our activities for older people including games, quizzes and chatting with others.

Booking is required for this event. Attendees can book by contacting the library on 01787 377525 or by visiting the library. Attendance is free but there is a suggested donation of £1 for refreshments.

Warm hubs - There are places where you can go, free of charge, to sit and stay warm rather than having to heat your home during the day. It’s a chance to socialise and some places have free activities too.

Find a map of the whole of Suffolk at:www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/map/

Please note, times/days may change from those shown, so please contact the venue to check.

Haverhill- River of Life Community Church, Chalkstone Community Centre, Millfields Way, Haverhill CB9 0JB
Opens Mondays 9am-3pm

- Haverhill Methodist Church,28 Camps Road, Haverhill CB9 8HF
Opens Wednesdays 9am-3pm

- St Mary's Church, High Street, Haverhill CB9 8AD
Opens Fridays 10am-4pm, with the Haverhill Family Café offering a free hot meal between 4-6pm.

- Haverhill Library, Camps Rd, Haverhill CB9 8HB
Opens Mon 9am-1pm, Tues 9am-7pm, Weds/Thurs/Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm.Phone:01440 848095
Free hot drinks to people who cannot afford it or cannot afford to remain in their homes due to energy prices, or are homeless. In addition, we have a kindness rack of warm free clean clothing, in our foyer for those in need. We also have free menstrual products if people need those.

Outside Haverhill
Most of Suffolk’s libraries are offering Warm Spaces. Find opening times at https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/visit/locations-and-times

- Kedington Library, Kedington Community Centre, Kedington CB9 7QQ
Phone 01440 703449 – 5 days a week

- Clare Library, The Guildhall Surgery, High Street, Clare CO10 8NY,
Phone 01787 277702 – 5 days a week

- Long Melford Library, The Royal British Legion, Cordell Road, Long Melford CO10 9EH,
Phone 01787 321599 – 4 days a week

Linton

- St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Linton CB21 4JX
Opens Thursdays 11am-2pm from 1st December.

- Linton Library, Cathodeon Centre, Horseheath Road, Linton CB21 4LU,
Opens Tues 10am–5pm, Weds 4–7pm, Thurs 2–5pm, Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm. The library will close 1pm on Christmas Eve until New Year.
Phone: 0345 045 5225

Please check out our other pages for more support and ideas:

Please click here for more information about our Christmas Appeal.