As you will know, our service provides a safe place to be for so many people across our community. Unlike other agencies there is no criteria, no waiting lists and no timeframes - We welcome everyone into our Pay What You Can café with open arms and a loving heart.

Christmas and New Year should be a time for celebration, happiness and company but sadly we know that this isn't the case for everyone and we just cant roll the shutter down on the centre and go home knowing people need us then more than ever. It has been heart breaking to hear people describe their dread around this period and to know that unless someone does something, they will be spending this time alone - feeling isolated, feeling down and anxious and in many cases suicidal.

So, we have decided to extend our hours across this period, making ourselves available at those crucial times where other agencies are closed and doing whatever it takes to ensure that no one has to spend this time alone or without people to talk to.

We are currently speaking to our clients, café customers and volunteers etc to see what people want and need and will make sure we design our service around that but what we know for certain is that we will be there to support every single day between Christmas and New Year and will offer a full 24 hour support service across New Years Eve and New Years Day.

So on New Years Eve there is no reason for anyone to be alone. They can 'come to ours' for a home from home experience. This wont feel like charity, it will feel like coming around to a friends house to enjoy the celebrations of new year or to seek solace and access support. There will be a team of volunteers and support workers on hand to provide the best possible support.

We will offer food and drink throughout the evening, tea and coffee, hot chocolate, juice and plenty of delicious food. We will provide quiet rooms for support and will create a 'lounge' feel where guests can watch tv, read or play games. In addition, we will have a team available to speak to you online or on the telephone.

We don't want to turn anyone away and want to ensure that we can meet everybody's needs across this whole period. We are looking to raise some funds which can be used to pay for travel (whether that be public transport or taxis) to purchase food and drink, to support people in additional ways such as emergency help with gas, electric etc.

We already have a long list of individuals and families who are going to struggle this Christmas /New Year - we know of young children and teenagers who without teams like ours would not receive a gift, we know about elderly people who have already asked us for blankets because they cant afford to heat their homes. We know about young men who appear strong and confident, secretly struggling with isolation and mental health. A lot of the support team have admitted to worrying themselves sick about these people, losing sleep and researching ways to help them late into the night....if you truly care, you cant just switch your thoughts and heart off at home time and that's why we must do more across this period and must provide a safe place for local people.

If you wish to support but cannot afford to donate money, please keep an eye on our posts and nearer the time we will suggest other ways of helping.

Remember, we all need a little extra support sometimes and asking for help does not make us weak. We are always here to support you and so please do contact us if there is anything at all weighing on your mind.

Thank you

The Infinity Initiatives Team