This winter, help someone find their light again
Give this Christmas and help fund counselling for people living with sensory loss or disability across South Tyneside and Gateshead.
When the world goes quiet or dark
By four o’clock, the light has gone. For someone with sight loss, the darkness makes the edge of the kerb even harder to judge, and the low winter sun can be just as disorientating. For someone with hearing loss, the festive season brings noisy, crowded places where conversation is easily lost. Before long, it can feel safer to stay in.
While everyone else gets ready for Christmas, the days at home get longer and confidence starts to fade. A million older people in the UK feel more isolated at Christmas than at any other time of year, and disabled people and those with sensory loss are up to five times more likely to struggle with poor mental health.
Helping people find their way again
That’s where SAM comes in. Our specialist counsellors understand sensory loss and disability, and they give people a safe space to talk through whatever they’re carrying, whether that’s loneliness, depression, grief or anxiety. Session by session, people rediscover their confidence and find their own way forward.
Nobody should have to wait for the shortest day to pass before life starts to feel lighter. This Christmas, you can help light the way.
This Christmas, you can help light the way.
“’I feel like I can cope with my feelings now and feel more able to talk to my family about my sight loss. Thank you so much.'”
Linda* – counselling service user (*name changed to protect client’s identity)
Could you help light the way?
By donating this Christmas, you can help someone in South Tyneside or Gateshead find their way through the winter. We’re aiming to raise £2,500 by the end of December, enough for around 50 counselling sessions.
Give this Christmas and make a real impact on someone’s life.
“I often meet people just after they’ve been told their sight is changing. They’re in shock, and they’re frightened about what it means for their independence and for the people they care about. Counselling gives them time to take in what has happened and to start thinking about what comes next. Seeing someone move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling ready for the future is why I do this job.” – Counsellor at SAM
Other ways to help light the way
Be a Light the Way champion:
Share this page with friends and family, or post it on social media. Every share helps us reach someone new!
Fundraise for us:
Planning a festive coffee morning or a Christmas get-together? Set up your own fundraising page and raise money for SAM.
Give instead of sending cards: Donate what you’d usually spend on Christmas cards, and let friends and family know you’ve given to SAM instead.
Get your team involved: From a Christmas jumper day to a collection box in the office, however your team likes to celebrate, you could support SAM at the same time.