Betty killed my social life

On Sunday the Brentwood Contact the Elderly Tea Party was held at Basildon Fire Station...

So this year I worked Christmas day and the last day (today). I had a wonderful time, but I probably would not choose the last day again - lots of cleaning, and sad goodbyes. I'm not good at goodbyes. I'm not that good at cleaning either. The ladies was left with a rather bubbly soap starred floor!

So in a few days I'll be back at Crisis, in a new East London location in Hackney. But it's a long time since last Christmas and the 'Crisis come down' led me to seek more regular voluntary work. The organisation I found have asked us to spread the word. So Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Contact the Elderly.

I feel embarassed when people ask me what I am doing for Christmas. Because when I say I am doing some shifts for Crisis, it feels as though I am asking for some recognition of my philanthropy. The truth is that I get so much more out of doing it than I give. This post is about what an honour it is and how special it makes Christmas.

Two 7 hour shifts are all you are asked to commit to. It really is not a big deal. You can do as much, and get involved as much as you choose. And if it really is not for you, you don't have to stay.