This Advent season, we commemorate the birth of Love in a humble stable. As we journey through Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive the Christ Child as the manger once welcomed Him. In the Gospel stories, we witness a family displaced from their home, finding shelter amid simple surroundings. This image of the Holy Family—vulnerable yet steadfast—echoes through the ages, inspiring us to reach out to those enduring hardship this Advent. As we celebrate, may we remember that within our communities across Essex and East London, individuals and families who need our support, compassion, and care are facing profound challenges.

Numerous charities persist in their efforts to aid the most vulnerable, and they rely on our collective support. Please scroll down to access links to many charities that need your generosity and time this Advent.

Caritas Diocese of Brentwood is inviting you to collect items throughout Advent, by following our Reverse Advent Calendar.

All the items you collect can be placed into a box or container, wrapped or decorated for Christmas, and then donated to your local foodbank just in time for Christmas. If you need assistance finding your local foodbank, you can search on the Trussell Trust Website by clicking here. Whether you are an individual, family, catechist, chaplain, teacher, or Parish Priest, please do let us know if and how you are taking part by emailing [email protected]

Here are some links to other Advent resources being provided by various charities:

If you know of other resources we could share, please email [email protected]

Click on the logos below to go directly to the web page of each charity and discover how you can support their work with an alternative Christmas gift this year.