Christmas can be a time of greater isolation and hardship for some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. Churches and charitable organisations will provide meals and services throughout the holiday season, offering company and support for people in need.

VolunteeringACT has published an online guide, covering the period up to 8 January.

On Christmas Day itself, St John’s Care Reid will hold its community lunch within the grounds of St John’s Anglican Church, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, from 12 noon to 1.30pm. Guests can sit inside the hall, or outside under the trees.

“Anyone and everyone can attend our lunch, as no-one should spend Christmas Day alone,” St John’s Care executive officer Jason Haines said. “If you know of a neighbour or a friend who may be alone, please tell them about the lunch.”

The event is run by volunteers; while the charity’s books are closed for this year, volunteers will be needed next year.

St John’s Care is closed from 2pm on Friday 23 December, and will reopen on 3 January 2023.

“We would like to thank the Canberra community for their ongoing support this year,” Mr Haines said. “It’s people like you that support our clients.”

The church will also hold services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve: 6.30pm – carols and pageant on the lawn; 9pm – choral Eucharist; 11pm – sung Eucharist. Christmas Day: 8am – sung Eucharist; 9.30am – sung Eucharist; 11.15am – Eucharist.

The Canberra City Salvos will hold a dinner for people in need going through recovery at its church, 2 Fawker St, Braddon, at 4.30pm on Christmas Day. Volunteer places have been filled.

The Salvos will hold a Community Day on Friday 23 December, from 10am to 2pm, and a recovery church on Sunday, 1 January, at 4pm, followed by dinner.

“Stay connected with your network and be safe this Christmas,” Major Wendy Hateley said. “If you know someone who will be alone at Christmas, why not invite them to share with you?”

Two Vinnies Night Patrol Vans will run on Christmas Day, distributing sandwiches, tea, coffee, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and hygiene items.

Van 1 will be outside Dickson Library at 7pm, and in Veterans’ Park, corner of Northbourne Ave and Bunda Street, at 8pm. Van 2 will be outside the Old Queanbeyan Visitor Centre, 1 Farrer Place, Queanbeyan, at 7pm, and outside Illumincube / Canberra Centre, Ainslie Avenue, at 8pm.

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“The holiday season should be the time to relax and connect with family and friends, but many people in our community may go through isolation and experience difficulties in their lives,” a Vinnies spokesperson said.

“For those needing assistance, including connection to other services, the Vinnies Night Patrol Vans will run every night throughout the holidays to help those in need. Volunteers will provide sandwiches, tea, coffee, material items to provide some comfort, and most importantly have a chat to break social isolation during this holiday season.”