Suella Braverman’s statement that being homeless is a lifestyle choice brought into sharp focus some of the ignorance and stigma there is around the social issue of homelessness. An issue which is on the increase, due in part to the cost-of-living crisis and its effect on housing and individual purses.
This is a tough time for everyone and charities are doubly impacted. Not only with the increase in people that use their services and seeing the effect on them. But also financially themselves – with significant amounts of small charities having to close their doors – leaving their beneficiaries in an even worse position. Charities are facing a multitude of challenges that have made it difficult for them to operate effectively. The cost of living crisis, including inflation, rising energy bills, and falling donations, has hit the charity sector hard.
We have fortunately received some vital support from the People’s Postcode Lottery and the UK government, delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund cost of living fund. Some of this support will mean that we’re able to open our doors in our community space the Hive for longer hours than we can currently afford to. We will be providing events, activities and a warm safe space for people that need it in our local community. Keep an eye out for our social media posts about what is taking place and when.
Taking care of people’s essential needs doesn’t take away from us being able to provide people with some joy, reduce social isolation and increase their self-esteem. Our Big Give campaign is in full swing this year as we raise funds for our wonderful choir “Alive and Singing”. Once the campaign opens on Giving Tuesday – 28 November – you can donate by following this link:
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002RXvCGAA1
Any donation made between 28 November and midday 5 December are doubled and you would make our Christmas brighter and happier by ensuring that we are able to fund Alive and Singing’s activities all through 2024.
In other news, the team and I were thrilled to achieve a gold standard in the Medway Workplace Well-being Awards. The happier our staff are, the better the service they provide to AMAT’s residents and the local community. We’re so pleased to have made this progress and really enjoyed the event to celebrate this achievement with other companies in Medway.
I will sign off my last blog of 2023. Next year, is going to be a big one – for me personally as I celebrate the milestone of turning 50 and my 20th AMATversary. Spoiler alert, there will be slushy posts for sure!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New year.
Jodie x.
