SWITCH on the TV and people are shouting at each other. On debate programmes there are angry exchanges.

On the radio, arguments are raging on phone-ins and in the comment sections on newspaper websites, opinions are forcefully presented, often with a side of abuse that gets deleted. It can only mean it is election time.

Problems in society are highlighted and blame is apportioned. Most often we are told it is someone else’s fault.

Meanwhile, the problems in communities persist.

The foodbanks are still busy trying to stock the shelves that are emptied just as quickly when they open.

And the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter is preparing to open its doors once more in two weeks. It will not have to look hard for people to come through its doors.

Elsewhere, volunteers are out at night with hot food and drinks to give those on the streets some much-needed warmth and support.

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People are losing their jobs and others are seriously worrying if they will get enough hours over the next few weeks to have money for rent and food, never mind Christmas.

And people are still dying from a drugs crisis that has been allowed to grow at an alarming rate.

South of the border, in Yorkshire, people have lost everything in floods and Boris Johnson turns up with a mop for a photo opportunity and he couldn’t even use that properly. No wonder one woman gave him a serious piece of her mind.

Politicians are arguing that if we get Brexit done it will be a better life for all. Others that we must remain in the European Union or there will be economic Armageddon.

In Scotland we are told in equal measure we need independence or that it is the last thing we need.

For the next four weeks that will be the reality. Meanwhile, all the problems persist.

What can we do about those matters that are urgent?

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We can do a little ourselves. Try and help in our own way by doing something practical that will impact on another person.

We can donate to a foodbank, if we have a little extra to spare.

If we can afford a new coat this winter then the one we no longer need can be donated to one of the charities that distribute them to people on the streets.

There are plenty of organisations in Glasgow that are helping others in need of some assistance.

There are too many deserving of our help to list them all but a quick internet search will throw up lots of opportunities to help out. Here’s a few to get you started:

https://www.glasgowcitymission.com/how-can-you-help/give

https://www.simonscotland.org/support-us/

https://www.aliss.org/services/cadogan-street-soup-kitchen-0/

The Halliday Foundation on Facebook

Drumchapel foodbank on Facebook