Wednesday 11-12-2019 - 16:23

In this festive time of year it can be easy to get carried away with buying presents, Christmas parties and tying up loose ends before the holidays. However, this is also the season when vulnerable members of the community feel most isolated or in need. Therefore, in keeping with the increased feeling of goodwill and charitable behaviour over Christmas, here are a few ways you can help out and, in doing so, spread a sense of positivity and generosity across Bristol!

FoodCycle

FoodCycle are a national charity that engage communities through using surplus food, feeding those in need and bringing people together. They will be serving delicious three course meals on Saturday 21 December and Saturday 4 January. Volunteers are needed to help collect donations, cook and host on the days.

Caring in Bristol

Join a city-wide mission to solve homelessness. The Caring in Bristol Christmas project aims to harness the compassionate ethos of the community to provide a pop-up shelter running from 23 December – 1 January. This refuge will provide warmth, shelter, food, support and companionship to those living in precarious situations and relies on volunteers to make this possible!

Marmalade Trust

Christmas can be a lonely time, especially for elderly people. Marmalade Trust will be hosting lunch on Christmas Day to bring together people that would otherwise be spending the day alone. They are still in need of some driving heroes to take guests from their homes to the venues on the day.

Feed the Homeless

Feed the Homeless cooks and serves hot meals to the homeless around Bristol, walking through the city centre to distribute them. 

University of Bristol Foodbank

Food insecurity affects millions across the UK, not just the homeless. Foodbanks help to provide for those that need this extra support, because no one should have to face going hungry. The University of Bristol Foodbank team have donation points across campus for non-perishable items.

Julian Trust Night Shelter

The Julian Trust Night shelter provides warm clothing (as well as a bed and hot meals) to keep people warm over winter. If you’re having a winter clear-out, pop down to their shelter in St Paul’s and donate to those that need it most.

Age UK

Befriend an elderly person this winter by becoming a volunteer buddy. In this role you will be matched with someone to attend activities, build their self-confidence and help combat dementia.

Samaritans

Despite all the festive cheer, this isn't a happy time of year for everyone. Charities like Samaritans rely on a wonderful team of volunteers to provide confidential emotional support to those who need a safe space to talk.

Cards for Good Causes

Cards for Good Causes supports more than 250 UK national and local charities by selling the widest choice of Christmas cards online and through 300 seasonal pop-up shops.

Snow Warden

If it does ever decide to snow, pavements and roads can become treacherous places. Bristol City Council is looking for volunteers on standby to clear snow, spread grit and check on vulnerable neighbours.

If these suggestions inspire you to get more involved in volunteering at the local level, or you want to incorporate this into a New Year’s resolution, we have plenty of opportunities throughout the year. Bristol SU currently has 13 student-run projects, hundreds of organisations advertising volunteering roles on our website and plenty of exciting one-off events coming up in the spring.

Enjoy the holidays and have a very merry Christmas!