Christmas Advice for People who were Shielding

As the festive period approaches, people who were shielding earlier this year are being supported once again by the Pembrokeshire Community Hub.

“Whilst Christmas is a happy time for many, there are a lot of people who will be planning to spend Christmas alone whether through choice or personal circumstances,” said Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Services.

“If you are feeling lonely or isolated as we approach Christmas or finding living through the pandemic difficult, the Community Hub can help.

“Across Pembrokeshire there are a number of fantastic organisations and groups who help people to connect with one another, offer a friendly telephone calls or support people to access local community activities. They can also help with getting online.”

If you know someone who might benefit from a little bit of support during this time you can contact the Community Hub on 01437 776301 or communitycovid19@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

The Community Hub is also drawing attention to the Christmas advice issued by the Welsh Government to people who were shielding.

The Welsh Government has said:

“We recognise that many people may want to be with their friends and family over the festive period, particularly after an incredibly difficult year. As a result, we will be changing some restrictions on social contact, allowing you to form a Christmas bubble, in which you can spend time indoors and outdoors, including in your home, with people from up to 3 households including your own.

This will only apply for a very limited period of time, from 23 December to 27 December.

You can choose to be part of a Christmas bubble if you are clinically extremely vulnerable, but it does involve greater risks for you as you will be increasing the number of people you have contact with. You will minimise your risk of infection if you limit social contact with people that you do not live with. It is important that you and the other people in your Christmas bubble consider these risks carefully before agreeing to form a bubble. Forming a Christmas bubble is a personal choice and should be balanced against the increased risk of infection.

If you do decide to form a Christmas bubble it is advised that you maintain social distance from those you don’t normally live with at all times, avoiding physical contact. Everyone should wash their hands regularly and it is important to keep the space where you spend time with those you don’t normally live with well ventilated and to clean touch points regularly, such as door handles and surfaces. You may want to think about who you sit next to, including during meals, and also consider wearing a face covering indoors where social distancing may be difficult.

If you don’t feel comfortable spending time with other people indoors, think of other ways that you can safely spend time together, for example on walks outdoors or supported by technology, and how you can make that time feel different and special. Going outdoors carefully for exercise is also encouraged. It is important that you do not feel pressured to celebrate Christmas in an environment that makes you anxious.

There may be a lot of expectations and pressure around celebrating Christmas together, but you should feel comfortable to do what is right for you over this period. To do that, the other people in your Christmas bubble need to understand your needs and increased risk. They must also be extra vigilant in the days before you get together, reducing any unnecessary contact with people, especially as some people with the virus have no symptoms.

The Christmas bubble period ends on 27 December and this guidance only applies until this date.”

·         If you know someone who might benefit from support over the Christmas period, you can contact the Community Hub on 01437 776301 or communitycovid19@pembrokeshire.gov.uk