As we head into the holidays and the weather turns cold, it is about the time that we usually make a pointed suggestion.

We do what we do on this site for free. No payment is received from any source. (And also Tessa Shepperson rather wonderfully provides free hosting for the site, for which we are ever grateful). We make no bones about doing this for free, indeed we are proud to do so. But, at the same time, we know that many of you find what we do helpful in your work.

So, if you have found some use, value or helpfulness in what we have done on the blog over the last year, we would like to ask (in the sense of suggest firmly, not require) that you consider making a donation to either Crisis or Kids Company.

Both charities do great work with homeless young people and the single homeless, both do hard work to help people out of very difficult situations and into ways to manage their lives. And, as the freezing weather sets in for December, a place and help for those on the streets is more important than ever. Both charities need every donation they can get.

Donate to Crisis here

Donate to Kids Company here

And, in case you were wondering, yes, we have.

Also, Christmas spirit trouvé…