Donate to a food bank

Adding an item for the food bank to your shopping list each week is a great way to help people in need. Check what items are needed at your supermarket’s donation collection point.

The Help and Kindness website also has a map of food banks, community fridges and social supermarkets across the country, and ways you can help out.

This year the Co-Op are raising money for causes around the UK through their Local Community Fund.

Volunteer locally

There are hundreds of ways to get involved with your local community. Even an hour of your time can help local voluntary organisations to keep doing their fantastic work.

The Volunteer Centre Dorset website has information on lots of ways to get involved in your local community.

The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council website also has info on volunteering across the BCP area.

Check in with friends

A little kindness goes a long way. Send a message, make a call, or drop-in on friends to see how they’re doing, especially if you think they may be struggling at this time of year.

Light on is a local mental health charity that encourages men to talk openly about their mental health – it can start with a message or a phone call.

Make sure your kids get their flu vaccination

Flu isn’t a lot of fun, especially for kids. Getting them vaccinated can help protect them. Not only that, it’ll help prevent your child from becoming a ‘super-spreader,’ meaning they’ll be less likely to pass on the flu virus to others, protecting more vulnerable people in your community.

Find out more about flu vaccinations for children on the Dorset HealthCare website.

Support relatives and friends to leave hospital

If you know someone who’s currently in hospital, helping out when they’re ready to leave hospital can make a huge difference. Your loved one can continue their recovery somewhere more comfortable, and you’re helping to free up a hospital bed for someone who really needs it.

Be kind to others

You don’t always know what people are going through, and this time of year can be hard. Remember to be kind.

Dorset HealthCare’s website has information about accessing mental health support around the county.

Offer to help out

Icy, cold weather can make it difficult for some people to get out and about. Offer to pick up some shopping, walk a dog, or pop in for a natter with someone who might otherwise be stuck in or risking their health by going outside when the weather is bad.

Borrow My Doggy can help you find someone locally who is in need of someone to help walk their dog.

Donate warm clothes, socks and blankets

Warm clothes and blankets are life-saving for many people at this time of year.

The Help and Kindness website has info on where to find affordable clothing.

Dorset Council organised a children’s coat collection back in October that’s still going. Visit the site for more info of where you can donate.

Help people stay connected

Loneliness can have a real impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Help people in your community to stay connected.

The Public Health Dorset website has some great tips for people who are experiencing loneliness.

Help and Kindness also has a bunch of useful links to help people who are feeling lonely.

Buy a coffee for someone in need

Next time you buy a coffee, ask if the coffee shop has a ‘pay it forward’ scheme where you can buy a warm drink for someone in need.