Festive wishes videos encourage communities to stay well

Organisations across Suffolk and north east Essex have created a series of short videos featuring their festive wishes for the holiday season.

The wishes, which have been recorded by health, care and voluntary groups, encourage local residents to take simple actions to help keep themselves and their communities safe and well this winter.

They include calls to get active, spend time volunteering and to seek help and advice on the cost of living. Each video also ends with a reminder to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The videos will be published on Facebook and Twitter throughout December.

Laura Taylor-Green, Director of the North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance, said: “Health and care organisations across Suffolk and north east Essex are working together this festive period to ensure our communities receive the best possible support throughout December and the New Year.

“These short videos let our local residents know what small actions they can take to help themselves, as well as their local health and care system this winter.”

Tracy Rudling, C.E.O at Community360, said: “It’s really important for us all to take steps to stay healthy so that we can enjoy the upcoming celebrations.”

She added: “Voluntary organisations have a huge role to play in that. There is lots of support on offer across Suffolk and north east Essex, so please do explore how your local voluntary organisations can help you to stay warm and social this Christmas. Here in north east Essex, Community360 and One Colchester partners are here to help you stay safe, warm, well and connected with our One Colchester Community Hub offering a welcoming and warm space where citizens can access a wide range of activities, programs, services, social and wellbeing activities.

Helping others is also an excellent way to boost your mental and emotional wellbeing, so I would encourage anyone who has any spare time to explore volunteering opportunities near them this Christmas and new year.”