WHILE Christmas is a time when families and communities come together it is also a time when many people are on their own.
However, the Link Visiting Scheme in Wokingham is helping to bring some festive cheer into the lives of local people for whom this time of year is the loneliest.
The charity will host its annual Christmas Day lunch and is inviting people to nominate someone they feel deserves a special festive treat.
Around 120 people attended last year’s three course lunch which was held in the town.
Link is also asking for volunteers on the day as well as donations to help with the cost for the lunch and its Christmas party, which will be held on Sunday, December 10.
Marjie Walker, scheme manager said: “An estimated half a million older people around the country are expected to spend Christmas Day alone this year and nearly a quarter of all elderly people are worried about loneliness over the festive season.
“Our appeal will enable us to provide a delicious Christmas Day lunch for anyone on their own on the day. We have a local chef and a fabulous venue. With your help we can make the difference to many older people in our community who face the season alone.”
The Link needs around £2,000 to host its Christmas Day lunch and make the difference to anyone who feels forgotten and alone. For those unable to leave their homes the charity will deliver a small festive hamper full of goodies.
“We want anyone who is alone and struggling over the Christmas period to know that they are warmly invited to a delicious home-cooked lunch with good company on Christmas Day,” added Marjie.
“We focus on older people but work with organisations in the borough that support people of all ages and so all who may find Christmas a challenging time are welcome. We support older people throughout the year and over the festive season with a host of events that always celebrate and encourage the benefits of friendship.
“Just £5 enables us to transport an elderly person to our Christmas lunch, £10 provides a Christmas present for someone who may not otherwise receive one and £20 provides Christmas lunch for someone who would normally spend the day alone.”
You can make a donation direct to The Link or drop off a present with a value of up to £10 for an elderly person.
For more details, go to: www.linkvisiting.org or call: 0118 979 8019
