It has been a difficult year, and while news about vaccines suggests that there is light at the end of the tunnel, this is still a challenging time. We are aware of many in the NI Fencing community, past and present, who are living abroad or outside NI, and the changes to advice over the past couple of days are likely to have disrupted plans and caused disappointment for many people.
For those of you whose celebrations may now have to be virtual, there are some links below containing ideas about how to celebrate together online (alcohol-related activities for those over 18 only!).
https://www.paperlesspost.com/blog/host-online-party/
There are also some links below containing tips on how to cope if you experience loneliness, or happen to be spending this period alone.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-when-you-are-alone-at-christmas-3024301 https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and-mental-health/#i’m-worried-about-how-the-pandemic-will-affect-the-holidays
If you do experience distress or despair, please know that you are not alone. Please visit this page for details of people and organisations that can help.
https://www.britishfencing.com/welfare-zone/are-you-ok/
If you have any safeguarding concerns over this period, please visit the page below to find information on how to report urgent and non–urgent concerns.
https://www.nifencing.com/safeguarding/report-a-concern/
We hope you all stay safe and are able to enjoy the holidays this year as much as possible.
The Board of Northern Ireland Fencing