A Cricklewood charity has teamed up with a football club to launch an initiative so that people who dread Christmas don’t feel so isolated.

Ashford Place, in Ashford Road, and Hendon Football Club have set up Christmas Connections (CC), which connects the most vulnerable back into their community over the festive period.

The cross-community scheme is designed to encourage a network of support for those having difficulty coping during the party season, or find it a severe challenge for whatever reason.

Ashford Place chief Danny Maher, said: “The Christmas holiday fills many with dread but especially for anyone struggling with loneliness and/or poor mental health, this holiday is anything but jolly.

“CC has the potential to help lots of people have a good Christmas this year. Put someone new on your Christmas list and help them enjoy the festive season’

He said the scheme emphasises a spirit of togetherness, which people with mental illness and social isolation can feel alienated and excluded from,

CC invites and inspires individuals, communities and businesses to pledge vital support such as sending someone a card, organising group Christmas dinners, or making a phone call to someone you know who will be alone.

Mr Mayer added: “At its most basic level, it’s an initiative that provides an opportunity for the disconnected among us to reconnect.”

Simon Lawrence, Hendon FC chairman, added: “Hendon Football Club and Silver Jubilee Park are delighted to partner with Ashford Place by pledging our support for Christmas Connections.

“With everyone at Silver Jubilee Park committed to helping improve mental health and combat loneliness within the local community we are fully aware how difficult the festive season can be for people of all faiths.

“This initiative by Ashford Place is one that we are delighted to be involved with.”

To get involved in Christmas Connections and pledge support visit www.ashfordplace.org.uk/get-involved/join-our-campaign/christmas-connections posting a pledge to connect!

To follow the scheme on Facebook visti: www.facebook.com/AshfordPlaceCricklewoodNW2/