Image of St John’s Church Penymynydd in Winter, at Sunset with a Merry Christmas message.

Everyone at Penyffordd Community Council would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year and new Decade!

Best wishes from Chair Alan Wight, Vice-Chair Richard Bestwick, Councillors Pat Ransome, Roy Wakelam, Jeff Priddin, Margaret Jones, Cindy Hinds, David Walker, Mark Rothero, Edwina Davies, Janet Smith-Bellis, Paul Blackman, David Williams, youth representative, Adam Bakewell, Clerk Sarah Hughes and Streetscene Operative, Glyn Davies.

Merry Christmas!

Loneliness is a real issue for many at this time of year. The Samaritans offer 24 hour support.
Telephone 116 123 or
email jo@samaritans.org

Response time: 24 hours

With the older members of our community in mind, we are sharing this advice from Matthew Murray-James of Home Instead Senior Care in Wrexham and Deeside

Everyone should have someone to spend Christmas with yet this year many older people will have no one to share it with.

Start a conversation: If you see an elderly neighbour on the street, Why not stop and have a chat with them. Ask if they need any help with their shopping, posting letters or setting up their holiday decorations.

Get to know your neighbour: If you don’t know your neighbours, take the opportunity to introduce yourself when you see them next, Give them a Christmas card and ask if you can help in any way. If you know someone who lives alone or doesn’t leave their house much, they might be a good person to reach out to and will most likely appreciate your effort.

Share a meal: Older people often need a hand cooking for themselves, so why not share your time with a neighbour by bringing them an extra serving of a hot, home cooked meal, or even a frozen portion they can heat up or microwave. Either way, a kind gesture may be appreciated!

Share your time: A rewarding way to help combat loneliness is to volunteer for organisations that support older people. These often offer "befriending" schemes for isolated elderly people, and rely on volunteers for one-to-one contact as a telephone "buddy", visitor or driver, or hosting social events for groups.

It's the thought that counts: Something as simple as sending a card or posting one through the letterbox, dropping off a little present, or calling in for a cup of tea can go a long way to making an elderly neighbour feel loved.

It is our hope that you all have a happy Christmas with your loved ones. By doing one kind deed for an elderly person this December, you are making a positive difference to someone’s life!