Being Befriended in Hurst this winter

By Gail Millar

Happy New Year to you all from Befriended. Never, like any other time in our lives, do we need friends and loved ones looking out for us more. Sadly, we were unable to host our Community Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day but instead we delivered over 100 Christmas bags to people living alone in Mid Sussex. Our bags contained all of the lovely things of Christmas like Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, chocolates, nuts, Christmas cracker, a gift, bottle of wine and a Christmas card. We also included a gift and letter from the young people of Escape youth club in Burgess Hill.

The response and feedback we have received has been quite overwhelming. Michael said: “It was the best thing that had happened to me in months and I am still enjoying so many of the wonderful contents of my Christmas Bag. Thank you.”
From Roy: “Everybody needs Befriended.”
From Pauline: “It was wonderful, it brought me so much joy at such a sad time in my life.”

Befriended is here to make a difference to the lives of those who are lonely and isolated in Mid Sussex. We are committed to our vision which is to end loneliness in Mid Sussex. If you would like to help us fulfil that vision by being a telephone befriender or when we can, a face-to-face befriender we would love to hear from you. If you would like someone to call you for a friendly chat on the phone once or twice a week please call us on 0300 772 7703 and we would be delighted to pair you up with one of our amazing team.

Befriended is also delighted and so appreciative of the award received from Mid Sussex - Thank you. Find befriended online here.

Paws & Claws - charity still needs support

Paws & Claws - Niko

By Lynn Basset
The coronavirus pandemic has affected life for us all in many ways, and not least for those running charities. Paws & Claws is a small, local charity run by volunteers, and it has certainly had a big effect on us. We have been serving the Mid Sussex area for the past 43 years, rescuing and rehoming cats and kittens, and of necessity we are at fundraising events all year around, but all these were cancelled this year, and we do not know when or whether they will resume in in 2021.
Life has gone on much as ‘normal’ at Coombe Down (in Sayers Common) with regard to cat care, but with the rescue centre being closed to the public to keep our staff safe. As soon as lockdown lifted, we were able to rehome cats, observing the necessary Covid-19 precautions with those wanting to adopt.
However, we still have many cats in need of forever homes, though sadly no kittens, for which there has been great demand. Many of the cats we have rescued have been strays and so are more suited to a rural setting where they have freedom as well as good shelter and food, and some have been elderly and in need of veterinary care, all of which have resulted in big bills for neutering, blood tests and treatment.
Please ring 01444 831286 if you can offer a rural home, for example a small holding or stables. One cat in particular we are trying to find the right home for is Niko (pictured) age 4 years, who is part Arabian Mau. He is very friendly and sociable with people, but his particular breed can be very territorial so he needs either a rural home with lots of space around, or a home with an enclosed garden, or a catio attached to the house as he does not get on with other cats. Please ring 01444 457758 for more information about him, or general homing enquiries.
We would like to thank all those who have kindly donated money and food during these unprecedented times to help us continue the work to which we are dedicated. www.pawsandclaws-ars.org.uk.