In the run up to Christmas, it's easy to lose track of everything outside of what immediately affects us and those around us. There are presents to be bought, dinners to plan, plays and pantos to attend (or, if you're like me, book at the last minute!) all while keeping up with our usual workload.
Please don't forget there are others out there. Others who won't be getting stressed about Christmas because they won't be doing anything or seeing anyone, or some who will be panicked because they don't have enough money to buy what they need for the festivities. Some are sitting out on the streets in the cold. Some are sitting on overcrowded boats in the middle of the ocean. Some are sitting in their homes, frozen and too afraid to go out because they will be met with violence. Some are sitting in make-shift huts in make-shift camps waiting to be told where to go next. Every day people face isolation, persecution, starvation or embark on treacherous journeys in the hope of a better life.
It's not a homelessness crisis. It's not a refugee crisis. Those people are not the crisis. The crisis is in political institutions failing to begin real and meaningful action to help these people.
And there are so many people. They need our help. You know who they are. So please help. Whether you give food, clothes, money or time - or a voice, the power of a voice - you're helping in some way.
We're writers here on Wattpad so let's use our words to do something special this Christmas.
Consider it?
