500,000 older people will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day this year!
Christmas without family and friends is something we all aim to avoid, but an unbelievable half a million elderly will be alone this festive season.
Christmas is the loneliest time of the year for older people, with those who have been widowed feeling it the most. Elderly people often feel more lonely over Christmas than at any other time of the year; for many it brings back too many memories of people who have passed away and of happier times.
Whilst most of us will sit down with family and friends to enjoy an annual Christmas Dinner this won’t be the case for everyone. Around one in 10 of over 80s will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day this year.
For the UK’s estimated half a million elderly who will spend Christmas alone, the family will be missing. Cherishers are determined to ensure that the elderly within our community they aren't alone.
The Christmas Day meal will be are organised by Cherishers in partnership with the Crown Pub, which will host the meals on December 25 for those living alone or homeless.
Julie Edensor, CEO of Cherishers 811 CIC “Cherishers works throughout the year to end the loneliness within our community. Many of us look forward to Christmas in anticipation of having a lovely time with those we love, but unfortunately that’s not how it is for some older people, especially if they are already feeling sad and alone. To combat loneliness cherishers will ensure that we are there for those who find themselves in this situation and for all the elderly in our community who are feeling lonely or troubled in the run up to Christmas. That’s why we are hosting a free Christmas day lunch for anyone who would otherwise be alone.”
The lunch is aimed at anyone within the area and is open to anyone of any age. Transport to and from the crown pub can be made available if needed.
There will be no charge for the lunch as it is being funded by Cherishers 811 CIC.
Visitors are welcome to arrive any time after 2pm ready to eat a traditional Christmas lunch at 2.30pm along with festive games and some carol singing.
If you want to get involved or attend the Cherishers Christmas Day Lunch, please email care@cherishers.co.uk or call 01889 578822
We do require people who want to attend to pre-book so that we can make sure we have enough food prepared.
