The Changing Seasons

As the seasons change and the temperature drops and the hours of sunlight reduce, nature seems designed in a way to best maximise survival. From plants, to insects, to animals, the different species have their own way of seeing through the winter months.  Bees cling tightly together on honey combs inside their beehive; bears, bats, snails and squirrels, even snakes, skunks and wood frogs, all hibernate… and trees shed their leaves.

I’ve heard tell that the leaves of deciduous trees die and fall in order for some trees to become more resilient to the onslaught of winter winds and snow.  Reduced to a structural minimum of mere trunk and branches, the trees can better withstand the battle to remain upright and survive harsh winds and driving rain. 

As we look ahead, we know that there are many individuals and families in Stockton who also try to become resilient to the winter months and the demands that the season brings.  Whilst some of us look forward to the forthcoming celebrations and festivities, others would rather lock themselves away until the sap starts to rise in the spring… families tighten up their household budget, shedding expenditure where they can, in order to buy their child a Christmas gift.

Here at A Way Out we strive, like the designs of nature, to help people to adapt to seasonal changes and hardships without having to lock themselves away, or strip away parts of their existence in order to survive.

By accessing funding, A Way Out have provided cosy blankets and hot water bottles for families who are unable to afford the increased in winter household heating bills.  We are making plans with the support of a local small business, to provide a Christmas meal at our women’s drop in and by working together with kind and loving people in the area, we hope to be able to provide Christmas gifts for the young people we work with and for the women and families we serve. 

Would you plant yourself beside us this season?  

Together we can create warm winter memories for our service users.  As you prepare for the coming season please include A Way Out in your plans – by putting a little extra in your shopping basket and making the most of the 3for2 offers you could make the difference to someone’s life this Christmas.

Alternatively you could donate by logging on to Just Giving and by donating or you could text AWOX14 £3, £5 or £10 to 70070.

Here’s a link to some ideas: Hamper or Gifts.

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch.

Thank you

Love from A Way Out x

www.awayout.co.uk