A Community Christmas Campaign
A Community Christmas
Christmas is better when we're connected.
Help us create over 1,000 Christmas cards for people across Newham this Christmas.
This Christmas, the Be Connected Team, Newham Libraries, Time Givers and Age UK East London are coming together with residents, schools, community groups and volunteers to create more than 1,000 handmade Christmas cards for those who may otherwise feel forgotten during the festive season. Behind every card is a simple but powerful act of kindness.
These cards will be delivered to care home residents, hospital patients, people accessing foodbanks, older adults supported through Age UK, individuals over 75 living alone and many others who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation.
For many of us, Christmas is filled with family, laughter and connection, but for thousands of people, it can be one of the loneliest times of the year. A handwritten card may seem small, but for someone opening their post on Christmas morning with no visitors and no presents, it can mean everything. It is a reminder that someone, somewhere in their community, took a moment to think about them.
Our ambition is simple: one handmade card from one person, delivered to someone who needs a little extra warmth, kindness and connection this Christmas. With your support, we can help spread a little Christmas joy across Newham and make it a little brighter for those who need it most.
Sponsors:
Mayor of London Loved and Wanted Campaign
We could not have done this project without their support!
How can I get involved?
You can join a library session here: https://www.newhamfestivalofstories.org/events/little-cards-big-stories-1/
Or make a card at home and deliver to your local library!
From 9th November, you will find a Christmas post-box in all of the neighbourhood libraries for you to post your card into.
Please note: the deadline for delivering cards to our festive post-boxes is 6th December 2026.
We want to encourage you to make a handmade card with a heartfelt message for one of your fellow Newham residents. The card doesn’t need to be Christmas theme and doesn’t need to be the most complicated or sophisticated design; the aim isn't to create perfect cards. It's to create a little moment of connection.
Below are some helpful dos and don’ts to help you make your card:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
|
✓ Create a colourful, handmade design ✓ Write a kind and positive Christmas or kind message ✓ Write something suitable for anyone to receive ✓ Sign using your first name only or “Made by…” ✓ Have fun and be creative |
✗ Include your surname, address, social media or personal contact details ✗ Write the recipient's name - you won't know who receives your card ✗ Assume whether the recipient is a man or woman ✗ Include religious messages ✗ Include anything that could identify you personally ✗ Put your card into an envelope (we have lots and we want to be able to read all the lovely messages inside before we deliver them) |
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the team at beconnected@newham.gov.uk or 0203 373 9799
Where will my card go?
We are working closely with our colleagues at the council as well as local voluntary organisations to ensure these cards have an impact and are delivered to the residents who might need them most. With support from Time Givers, we will be distributing the cards to residents in:
- Local care homes
- Residents in Hospital with no support network
- Through local foodbanks and community meals
- Over 75s that live alone
- and more!
What if I know someone that might like to receive a card?
Great! We want to make sure these cards are sent to people who will really appreciate receiving them, if you want to nominate someone to receive a card, please complete this form: A Community Christmas – Fill in form
Please note: the card will not be delivered to them. You will need to collect your card from a local library as listed on the above linked form.
You could also come along to a session at your local library and take the card you make away with you to deliver!
What else do you do to support lonely residents?
The Be Connected Team helps residents build meaningful connections by supporting access to local activities, community groups, volunteering opportunities and social networks. We work alongside community organisations, faith groups, libraries, health services and other local partners to help people feel more connected to their community and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Our support includes:
- Connecting residents to local groups, activities and services based on their interests and needs.
- Working with community organisations to create welcoming opportunities for people to meet others and build relationships.
- Supporting residents to access volunteering opportunities and community initiatives.
- Raising awareness of loneliness and promoting the importance of social connection and wellbeing.
You can read more about our team on our webpage www.newham.gov.uk/beconnected
