Many people start shopping for Christmas presents at this time, but this year the shopping will probably have to be planned extra carefully. In one year, there have been five interest rate increases, and fuel, groceries and electricity have also become more expensive. It has given many significant concerns with a tighter and more challenging economic situation. – We recommend that anyone with tight finances contact Nav. Then we help, says Nav Kautokeino supervisor Kari Mariann Henriksen. Increase in inquiries According to Statistics Norway’s figures from 2020, 11.7 per cent or 115,000 children in Norway belonged to a household with persistently low household income. And figures from 2017 showed that one in five children in Kautokeino lived in poverty, which is why Nav is following the situation particularly closely locally. – We are a little worried, increased expenses affect almost everyone, says Henriksen. – On a national basis, inquiries and applications have increased. People want advice and guidance due to tighter finances. Supervisor in Nav Kautokeino Kari Mariann Henriksen asks people to seek help before the bills go to debt collection. Photo: Malene Gaino Buljo / news Invites to a free Christmas celebration But someone has decided to take action. Both to lighten the financial burden, but most of all to overcome the loneliness. Ida Halvorsen and her partner Nils Andreas Tornensis, in collaboration with the business community and volunteers in Kautokeino, invite to a joint Christmas celebration. – There are many people here who are lonely. Some are immigrants, with some the children have moved away from home. Some are widows and others are just lonely. – This is a place for everyone, also for families who want a different Christmas celebration. In addition to those who feel that the finances are not enough. The cohabiting couple have a strong desire to help others and they have been talking about celebrating Christmas together for several years. – But then there was corona and then there were no such opportunities. And now we thought it was a perfect fit with a different Christmas, says Ida. She says that if this is a success, they can imagine doing this for several years to come. “Christmas for all” is a drug-free event at Arctic Motell and Kautokeino camping. They have their own chef who prepares the food. – It is the loneliness that we have focused our attention on then. We have spoken to people who dread Christmas because they are alone. Those who have financial problems can get help, but being lonely is something else. She also says that it is the social aspect that should be the focus, and therefore they do not focus on gifts. Ida is a merchant for Rema 1000 in Kautokeino and this is not the first time she has contributed food to the village’s residents. Photo: Malene Gaino Buljo / news – It’s quite tough for you, who have two small children yourself? – The children are so young, they don’t know how to normally celebrate Christmas. So we can start our own tradition and do it this way. – No one should be alone on Christmas Eve and we hope that as many as possible will join, says Ida. – Good at inviting our lonely ones – So far there are not many registered yet, only 7 people, says Risten Elle Siri at the Volunteer Center in Kautokeino. She accepts applications via the Volunteer Centre. Grilled Elle Siri. Photo: Privat – In Sápmi we are good at inviting our lonely elderly, which is why I think there are so few registered for now. But I hope that more people sign up, says Siri. I understand that Nav follows the rates for financial benefits, but in each individual case an individual assessment is made. Nav takes into account the fact that it is Christmas and contributes extra during the holiday season, especially to families with children. Families with children, those on low incomes and those receiving social security are those who need the most help. – What do they need help with? – To pay rent, mortgage, food, municipal taxes, daycare, interest and installments. Yes, everything that has become more expensive, replies Henriksen. The government has said they will not increase social security for the poorest before Christmas. Henriksen believes that one should not be afraid to apply for help. They know there is a solution and are happy to help. – If you cannot manage the financial situation, seek help. Don’t wait until the bills go to debt collection. We fully understand that it can be difficult now and that it can be challenging. But there are solutions and we will try to help, she says in conclusion.
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Making Christmas celebrations for the lonely: – Have spoken to people who dread Christmas – news Sápmi
