Free festive lunch scheme aims to combat social isolation

First City Nursing & Care and Friends of First City have been laying on a series of free festive lunches this month for local people in a bid to raise awareness of the issue of social isolation.

Sam Roberts, department homecare manager at First City Nursing & Care, said staff who work in the community are very aware that many people can become isolated through disability, illness or infirmity.

“Many of us are lucky enough to spend Christmas time with friends or family, but there are also many who are not so lucky,” said Sam.

“We decided to host some festive lunches for some of our lovely service users, which would give them the chance to have fun together and enjoy some Christmas dinner, but would also remind people that there might be someone living near them who would welcome some contact over Christmas. That could be anything from an offer of a cuppa and a mince pie when you deliver their Christmas card, to a full-blown invitation to dinner on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.”

Guests of First City sat down to turkey and all trimmings, served up with wine, soft drinks or beer, pulled crackers, took part in a raffle and listened to Christmas songs played on the piano and guitar.

One guest, Olly Page, 90, of Highworth, said First City had made her day.

“I’ve enjoyed myself so much,” said Olly.

“It’s a wonderful thing that they do. Each week they take us out to the garden, or to go shopping – we do lots of shopping! – and one of the support workers, Tina, has written all the envelopes for my Christmas cards, because I find it difficult to write now. I’m very grateful to them, and wouldn’t be without them.”

Sam Roberts said the lunches have been a huge success.

“People tell us it worked really well, several of them have made some new friends, and all the feedback we’ve had says they really want to come back next year,” said Sam.

“We hope it encourages everyone in the community to just give some thought as to whether they could open their doors for a neighbour who may welcome some company. Social isolation can have very negative effects on well-being, yet it’s so easy to share some conversation and a drink or a bite to eat with someone close by. And I can reassure everyone who has come along to our lunches this year that we’ll be doing the same again next year – we’ve enjoyed it as much as they have!”