Yet for others in our neighbourhoods, that sense of togetherness, warmth and belonging will not be felt, and rather an acute sense of loneliness will take hold.

Christmas Day might be lunch for one, sleeping rough or spent with the paralysing uncertainty of not knowing where family is, after being separated because of war or conflict.

There is hope.  At Red Cross loneliness is not something to be ashamed of.

We’re there for people who have nobody else: calling and visiting, driving them to appointments, offering one-to-one support to those struggling with mental illness, or giving a warm welcome to those seeking safety from violence or persecution.

We know loneliness doesn’t discriminate. It stealthily creeps into our lives, no matter our age, gender or ethnicity, and takes hold when tragedy happens, like losing a loved one, a divorce or losing your job.

And if you don’t catch it early, loneliness can reach chronic levels and have a significant effect on our health.

But it’s bigger than that. When there’s no one by your side, and you’re feeling deeply isolated, communities start to become less trusting, there’s more fear and places start to feel less safe. 

It’s time for Australians to change that. Red Cross is calling on you to make this the Season of Belonging, by taking simple steps.

Be kind on social media, say hello to your neighbours, volunteer or check on someone you know is in trouble.

A donation to Red Cross will also help us continue on our mission to work with half a million of the most socially excluded Australians to build the vital connections they need. You can help: redcross.org.au/act.

Jody Broun, Red Cross Australia.

Leeton Soldiers Bridge Club celebrated Christmas with lunch, and an afternoon of Bridge, on December 10th and the Club Champions for the year were awarded certificates.

Friday Champions

Open: Helen and Eric Taylor

Intermediate: Mary Hulme and Phillip Hehir

Restricted: Suzette Thornburrow and Amanda Arnold

Tuesday Champions

Open: Helen Taylor and Phillip Williams

Intermediate: Joan Graham and Helen Langley

Restricted: Suzette Thornburrow and Amanda Arnold

Team Champions

Open: Phillip and Penny Williams, Adrian Thompson and Val Evans

Intermediate: Mary Hulme, Neil Ditton, Pat Protheroe and Margaret O’Leary

Club Results

December 1st

1st Helen and Eric Taylor, 2nd Suzette Thornburrow and Amanda Arnold, 3rd Rhonda Thomas and Joan Graham.

December 5th

1st Jennie Pike and Margaret O’Leary

2nd Eric and Penny Hudson

3rd Rhonda Thomas and Dan Cotter

December 8th

1st Pat Protheroe and Margaret O’Leary

2nd Mary Hulme and Phillip Hehir

3rd Margaret Atkin and Phillip Williams

Margaret O'Leary, Leeton.