THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS – QUARRIERS FAMILY CENTRE STYLE
As the dark nights draw in and November comes to a close all thoughts are firmly upon Christmas. Who do we still have to buy a gift for? Where are we going for dinner? What should we wear to our various nights out? Organised Chaos – and the expense of it all to boot! Sometimes it seems as though the true meaning of Christmas is lost, forgotten almost.
For some families, like those supported at Quarriers family centres thoughts of Christmas turn to feelings of dread and worry due to the tremendous pressure to get their kids the latest toys and games. This year will be particularly tough as there is less money available than ever before. Some families will have no option other than to turn to unregulated and often unscrupulous local “lenders” who will charge huge interest and will spend the next year or more repaying the loan. Some of the families we support may not even be together for Christmas and will still be struggling to cope with the everyday pressure s of their lives caused by poverty, addiction, abuse and neglect regardless of the time of year. They don’t have the luxury of putting their problems aside to enjoy the festivities.
QUARRIERS FAMILY CENTRES - A REAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE
This Christmas our family support services across Glasgow will work to support families cope with the pressures they face at Christmas and throughout the year - keeping families together and supporting them as they work through the difficulties in their everyday lives.
These centres encourage and support parents to face and deal with their difficulties for the benefit of their children. The Centres teach skills as simple as; how to play with your children, how to prepare a nutritious meal on a budget, literacy and numeracy training to get parents back into work and, more importantly, a safe-haven where children can be children, laughing and playing together.
Quarriers Family Centres are a real community resource which provide the life skills that many of us take for granted as we follow the example of our parents and families. Those we support have not had that example and Christmas is a lonely, fraught time – very much a struggle, like every other day.
Susan, mum to Jessica, said of Christmas time;
“It’s a difficult time of year, I’m juggling our money to make sure that my daughter gets a present but that can leave me short of money to pay my bills and then it causes tension in the family.
“The centre helps out in practical ways, the Women’s group helps me talk to other people about my worries and has given me confidence as I couldn’t have done that before. I realise now that I’m not alone.
“I’ve recently learned all about the local credit union through the centre and hope that it will help me manage money better next year.”
Quarriers’ support is in high demand as Jackie Given, Service Co-ordinator explains;
“For every family we can offer support to, there are another 75 families waiting to access our services. We also have a waiting list for our nursery that provides placements to children from birth to three years. We would love to support all of those families who are referred to us but resources are tight and financially it wouldn’t be viable. Quarriers never want to be in a position where we need to compromise on the Quality of our services.”
MAKING CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
When asked about the difference Quarriers Family Centres make at Christmas, Kevin, dad of 3 said;
“The support I have received has been superb the kids love coming to the centre. There is a real family atmosphere and the staff are like an extended family really – that makes Christmas special for us.
“I am working at improving my literacy and numeracy skills to prepare me for work. This time next year I hope to have a job – it knocks your confidence when you’ve been out of work for a while but I have great hopes in getting a job in the New Year and being able to really support my family.”
Kevin’s experience of the centre is echoed by many parents, all of whom talk positively about the difference it makes to them and their children.
Lornie McPheat, Project Worker at Barlanark Family Centre said;
“The icing on the Christmas cake this year would be to have the funding to give the families a Christmas party – There are loads of social outings at this time of year that we all take for granted and so many of the families we support have never had these opportunities available to them, which is really sad in this day and age. Despite all of the statistics out there on the poverty gap getting smaller, it’s hard to comprehend this information is true when working within some of the poorest communities in Scotland.”
You can help us add some real magic this year to the people we support by making a donation today.
