From the Rector
 
 

Dear Everybody, hello again.

We decorate our houses at Christmas time, often both inside and out.  Some of the decorations are new each year, the cards, the holly, the wreaths on the door.  Others live in the loft or garage and are brought out year by year: the lights, the Christmas tree baubles, the toy Santas for the windowsill.  Some of these may be decades old, and part of our Christmas family traditions.

Decorating the house should not be a chore.  It’s an opportunity for us to be thankful for the homes that we have.  As we think of the Holy Family temporarily displaced by the authorities from their home, in order for a census to be taken, it reminds us of all those families who do not have a home.  Those who cannot afford one, those who have lost them by mental or family collapse.

Also, Jesus, Mary and Joseph were changed from temporary travellers to refugees. They fled to Egypt because of a real threat of persecution and murder, as soon as Herod discovered what he thought of as a rival.  Refugees are mostly only victims; they are in danger because they are perceived as a threat, sometimes only for being from the wrong tribe.  They make their homes in camps or in other countries, but their true homes are where they have been driven from.

For most of us, decorating a home, especially with age-old possessions, is a sign of stability.  For those who are under threat, it is a sign of defiance.  Let us also, this Christmas, remember to give charitably for the relief of refugees and the homeless.

God bless you this Christmas

David Head
 

NORFOLK CARERS' VOICE

· Do you provide unpaid care or support for someone?
· What help could you have?
· Fed up and don't know what's happening in Norfolk?
· Have you got something to say and want to make a difference?

What is the Norfolk Carers' Voice?

The Norfolk Carers' Voice is a register of carers who want to hear what is going on and perhaps to have a say in improving the help that is available. If you are 18 or over and one of the 81,000 people in Norfolk who provide unpaid help and support to an adult relative, friend or partner who cannot manage because of illness, age or a disability, this could be for you.

What happens if I want to join?

The Norfolk Carers' Voice questionnaire can be obtained from the Crossroads Norfolk Carers' Helpline by telephoning 0808 808 9876 
or email: norfolkcarers@hotmail.com. If you are happy to give us your contact details, we will be able to give you information about support for carers in Norfolk. And if you want more involvement, we can also ask what you think about support for carers and whether you would like to work with us to improve services. Your details would be held on the Norfolk Carers' Voice Register.

This Register is managed by the Health Information Team, Eastern Support Services who work with other organisations to improve the quality and availability of information for people using GP surgeries and the project has been funded by the Norfolk Carers' Grant.
Your information will only be accessed by named Social Services, Healthcare staff and the Manager of the Crossroads Norfolk Carers Helpline, who distributes 'The Norfoik Carers  magazine, and will be protected by the Data Protection Act 1998.

Rosemary Topping, Database and Resource Officer
Health Information Team Database and Resource Officer
Health Information Team