Reach out and help this festive season

“During this time of the year, think of a single mum in your community without support, who needs to create a festive atmosphere in her home, especially if she has young children.”

CMR Gauteng-Oos, an NGO with a branch in Lyttelton, reminded the community to think of those less fortunate during the festive season.

The organization consists of a network of staff who cares for families and children and focuses on child protection, family preservation, poverty relief, and community projects since 1982, according to Ani Grobbelaar, a social worker at their Lyttelton branch.

Grobbelaar said this time of the year the mood is dictated by Christmas lights and festive music everywhere, “inviting us to feel jolly and get into the festive spirit”.

“For many, it is a time of family gatherings and despite the past two years’ crisis management, the Christmas feeling has arrived in shops everywhere.”

“There are, however, thousands of people who are without a family.

“For those living on the streets, their biggest hope is to have food every day. Many others do not know where to go to this Christmas since they do not have a family to be with.”

She said loneliness can affect young children as well.

“During this time of the year, think of a single mum without support who needs to create a festive atmosphere in her home, especially if she has young children.

“Kids are drawn to the trees, the lights, and the gifts in the shops – all while that mother might be so burdened that she does not have a festive bone in her body. Reach out to her and her children.”

She said children could then become demanding and the mother might feel guilty. Loneliness and this lack of support and empathy can cause parents to abuse alcohol or drugs, with negative effects on the children.

“A parent, who is under the influence of a substance, cannot always behave properly and this could contribute to family violence.”

She said another problem is that of parents working while the children are on holiday.

“Apart from the safety and security aspect, there is also boredom to address. No child can watch TV or play video games for eight hours without becoming bored. Drugs, alcohol, and porn easily fill the void.

“Parents should do everything in their power to find alternatives to keep busy and community members should support someone in their community in this respect. Kindly reach out please.”

Henda van der Merwe, director of CMR Gauteng-Oos, added that not only domestic violence, but also child neglect increase during this time of the year.

“Social workers are confronted with much more than they need for food. Family support is of the utmost importance during the festive season.”

She suggested that community members should take five minutes out of their day and stop, and think, “what can you do for someone during these days of festivity”.

Read the full story on: Rekord East.