1 week Ago
A charity is laying on a Christmas lunch to combat loneliness amongst older people during the festive period. The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is inviting people to come along to their Festive Spread Christmas lunch event at the charity’s Crowborough Darby and Joan Club on December 19, as part of its national campaign to ensure that older and more vulnerable members of the community do not spend Christmas alone. Recent research from the charity has found that 35 per cent of people aged 70+ will spend the festive period between December and early January completely or mostly alone this year.
A total of 36 per cent of those surveyed reported they feel lonelier or more isolated over Christmas time, compared to other times of the year. The event at the United Church Hall, Croft Road, Crowborough, is one of over 70 similar lunches that RVS is holding across Britain this Christmas. Volunteers will prepare a free Christmas lunch for older people (Image: RVS) The charity's Festive Spread campaign is raising funds to enable volunteers to provide Christmas lunches, make home visits and telephone welfare calls or deliver emergency food packages to someone at home.
Royal Voluntary Service director of health and community, Steve Amos, said: “We understand how difficult this time of the year is for those who feel alone, and we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to celebrate no matter their circumstances. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors to the community and making this holiday season a little brighter for those who need it most. Everyone is welcome to come along and help spread some festive joy.
” Booking is required to attend the free festive lunch, and tickets are still available but limited. Those looking to find out more and reserve a space can visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.
uk. Alternatively call 0330 555 0310..
