TIDINGS of comfort and joy may be the farthest thing from the minds of the number of people who will be homeless this festive season, with new figures showing more people are finding themselves without a roof over their head.
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A new report has found the number of people accessing homelessness services in 2017 has climbed by three per cent in the past year.
Leigh Smith from Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS) said homeless numbers have been steady locally, only because the organisation is constantly at capacity with the number of people on its books.
The homelessness support service assisted 308 people over the age of 16 in Tamworth, in the past year.
Domestic violence was a common thread in Tamworth’s tale of homelessness, with 33 per cent of all clients presenting for help identifying it “as an issue needing assistance”.
More than half of the people who sought help were female (56 per cent), 48 per cent were Aboriginal and more than one-in-three had a mental health issue.
However, the support for the service and locals in need of help is coming in from all parts.
Kids from Calala’s Goodstart Early Learning Centre have donated a raft of non-perishable foods, toiletries and goods to the city’s disadvantaged.
The youngsters saved up their hard-earned pocket money to buy-up and learn about the gift of giving at a time when receiving presents would be front of mind.
“When it comes to the festive season we always try to emphasise the gift of giving to the kids and that it’s not just about Santa bringing them presents,” senior educator Camille McWhirter said.
“And let them know there’s others in the community who need something.”
While it offers relief for some in the community, feelings of stress and pressure can be as common as carols and Christmas trees at this time of year.
“There’s a lot of pressure on to make it the happiest time of the year and most enjoyable time of the year,” Rural Adversity Mental Health Coordinator Kate Arndell said.
“And making it live up to expectation.”
Mrs Arndell said over-indulging on a variety of fronts, including diet, alcohol, spending and social media could be causes for festive season stress.
Trying to keep some normality was the top tip for anyone who might be overdoing it in the silly season.
“Drink water, eat healthy and maintain some normalcy,” she said.
“Schools, sporting groups and offices are all having Christmas parties.
“So we know parties can replace gym and exercise at this time.”
She said it could be a particularly challenging time for anyone facing their first Christmas after a separation or the loss of a loved-one.
“It’s also a time of year where loss is brought into focus,” she said.
“So staying connected is really important.”
Tips for reducing silly season stress
- Get away from our normally busy routines and recharge
- Take a break, switch off from technology
- Connect with loved ones
- So take some time to be grateful
- Take the time to listen and support family and friends, check in and ask “howare you doing?”
- Remember that everything in moderation is the key
- Take time out
- Be mindful of others and reach out to people who need it.
- Share the stress – share the cost.
- Spend some time in nature; stop, breathe and appreciate.
- Have alcohol-free days.
- Make sure you get enough sleep, drink lots of water and exercise.
- Keep Christmas in perspective.