Christmas messages

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM IAN BLACKFORD MP

It is hard to believe that 2022 will soon be drawing to a close. This time last year we were starting to feel optimistic about the future, as the Covid-19 pandemic receded and life started to return to some level of normality.

Sadly, however, we fi nd ourselves facing yet another diffi cult period with spiralling energy bills and an alarming cost of living crisis looming over us all. This is bound to cast a shadow over the festive period for many individuals, families and businesses, who are facing hardship and misery as a direct result of the impending recession.

I know many of you will be feeling uncertain and this festive season might represent yet another stress. But it is important to remain hopeful. One thing the pandemic demonstrated is the capacity for kindness shown by individuals and communities who rose to the challenge and supported others in a time of great need. The various lockdowns also highlighted the importance of contact with family and friends over the festive period and the fact that isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over this period. Perhaps, this is the year when we recognise that the best gift we can give to others is our time and attention. For those without family nearby, a number of organisations off er support at this time of year so please don’t be afraid to reach out.

As always, I send my heartfelt thanks to the emergency services for their truly heroic eff orts throughout the past year. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to them – and all frontline workers – for showing bravery, hard work and ingenuity in the face of on-going challenges.

And - speaking of hope - for many like myself, who believe in self-determination, next year off ers the hope of a new, better future for my constituents and Scotland as a whole with the opportunity for a Referendum on Independence.

I would like to send my best wishes to all constituents and hope a healthier, happier future awaits us all in 2023. Have a safe and peaceful festive period and please, if you need assistance at this time, contact me and I will do my best to help you – or to put you in touch with the best organisation to do so. Email: ian.blackford.mp @parliament.uk / Tel: 01397 700030 / 01349 866397

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM KATE FORBES MSP

Following the birth of my beautiful daughter Naomi in August, Christmas will be diff erent for me this year. It’s fair to say my everyday routine has changed.

As we approach the festive season, many of us hope Christmas will be a refreshing change from work and studies. For others, though, it will be a time of sadness and fear – having lost a loved one this past year or because of social isolation, employment or health worries. It has never been more important for each of us to look out for our neighbour – whether that is a colleague, friend or stranger. I am immensely impressed how local volunteer groups and businesses have risen to that challenge across Lochaber.

More than ever before, our world needs peace in the face of chaos and uncertainty.

As we are buff eted by the winds of constitutional change, health worries and economic calamity, there might not appear to be cause for peace. But Christmas reminds us of the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to give peace – peace with God, peace with each other and peace with ourselves.

I hope you know the peace which rises above the troubles of our world this Christmas.

I wish you contentment this festive period and through-

out 2023.

Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr dhuibh uile.

Feeling the squeeze of the cost of living crisis? Our advice adds up.

Things can be pretty scary just now with energy bills going up, rising prices in the shops and higher interest rates. The Citizens Advice network provides advice that could make a real diff erence to your fi nances. You can get help from us in a range of ways.

Get help online

Feeling lost about money? Our Money Map tool moneymap. scot/ directs you to online help fi nding ways to make the most of your money, decrease your bills and help meet the costs of daily living.

Access free support online at www. citizensadvice.org. uk/scotland/ from our public advice site, including information on budgeting, what to do if you are struggling to pay your bills and on dealing with debt.

Find out if you are missing out on making savings on your council tax bills. Our council tax tool www. checkmycounciltax.scot/ tells you quickly if you are entitled to a discount, reduction or exemption.

If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the fi rst time, we can help. Our Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone 0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) and can guide you through the process, whether you are looking for answers to quick questions or step-bystep support to make your claim. Find your local CAB

Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to get free, confi dential and impartial advice. An adviser will talk through your situation and work out the next steps. Find your local bureau and get in touch today. www. lochabercab.org.uk We don’t judge, we just help. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CLOSING: We will close at 12 noon on Thursday 22nd December’22 Re-opening on Wednesday 4th January 2023

Lochaber

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-3pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – Advice@lochabercab.org.uk