Welcome to the Health BOCS Update, the monthly update on Health and Wellbeing activities at the Brothers of Charity Services in England.
Click here to view the BOCS Health and Wellbeing Calendar from 2018/2019.
December Promotion
As part of Health BOCS, the Brothers of Charity Services’ health and wellbeing programme, throughout December, we promoted: Festive Health and Safety Briefing and Toy Box Appeal.
Festive Health and Safety
Christmas is a special time of year. However, this doesn’t mean health and safety is not important! Thousands of people every year are involved in Christmas related accidents around the home over the Christmas period.
Drink Aware
In the December period, it is no myth that people like to have a few more drinks than usual when visiting family and friends. Although, drink driving is just as dangerous as every other time of the year! If you are going to drink, ensure you would or get public transport- don’t risk it.
Toy and Presents
Falls are the most common kind of accident in the home; imagine how much the likelihood rises when the clutter of presents is added to the equation. Keep walkways and stairwells clear and well lit, this needs to be taken into account especially if you have lots of guests over at Christmas.
When buying toys, make sure you check the packaging thoroughly to ensure that they are appropriate. Keep an eye out for any small parts that could cause a child to choke. When opening the presents, make sure you don’t cut corners; use scissors rather than using anything that is available such as a knife.
Tree and decorations safety
Make sure you stay up to date with how old your Christmas lights are and if they are still in good condition. The newer the light the higher the safety standard will be. Like candles make sure that they are off when you leave the house or go to bed.
Un-watered Christmas trees can get very dry; this makes them a huge fire hazard. A small spark from a faulty light can cause a tree to go up in flames in seconds. Keep your trees watered to avoid potential injuries or fatalities.
Christmas Dinner
The additional hustle and bustle that comes with Christmas in your household can make the kitchen a much more dangerous place. It is important to be safety conscious throughout the day to prevent any accidents, try not to rush around and keep people in the kitchen to a bare minimum to avoid spills, slips, trips, burns or cuts from food or cooking equipment.
Click here for more information
Toy Box Appeal
A small shoebox can have a big impact on an underprivileged child’s life! What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is everlasting. Be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’s name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child. See the impact a simple shoebox gift packed and sent with love has on a child and how it reaches into a community.
How to pack a Shoebox
- Find an empty medium sized shoebox and wrap box and lid separately.
- Download and print the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category and attach the label to the outside of your shoebox.
- Fill your shoebox with a variety of new gifts that will bring the delights to a child, add a suggested project donation of £5 which includes shipping, and take it off to a Drop off Point which will be listed on the website from September.
- You can also pray for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.
Click here for more information.
January Promotion
As part of Health BOCS, the Brothers of Charity Services’ health and wellbeing programme, throughout January, we will be promoting: Debt Awareness Week.
Debt Awareness Week
Debt Awareness Week is a chance to share the message that nobody needs to deal with debts on their own and free and impartial advice is available. We started running Debt Awareness Week because we know millions of people are struggling with debt. Many of them aren’t aware that we can help them take control of their finances.
Everyone can get involved in Debt Awareness Week! We want as many people as possible to share the message that free debt advice is available and can make a huge difference too many lives. Previous Debt Awareness Weeks have been supported by banks, credit card companies, housing associations and major employers. We’ve also received a lot of support over social media and from our existing clients.
Our team of debt experts help 620,000 people a year to deal with their debt problems. With 25 years’ experience, you can be confident that we can provide the advice and support you need to achieve long-term financial control.
We offer free debt advice that is based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation. We’ll then provide practical help and support for however long it is needed. In 2017 we helped 620,000 people with their debts; we have 25 years’ experience and in 2016 our clients repaid £414 million of debt!
Click here to find out more.