Providing company for lonely people over Christmas
Christmas is coming but turkey and a tipple will be far from the minds of rising numbers of people who spend the big day on their own.
Loneliness affects some 55,000 older people across the South East but there is growing evidence to suggest many younger people feel the same.
But businesses, charities and members of the public across Kent are taking action to help those in need of a bit of companionship over the festive period.
From restaurant meals to a warm place for the homeless to sleep, there are places you can turn whatever your personal circumstances.
Loneliness at Christmas is something Del Doyle knows well.
He was a master butcher with 40 years’ experience until a heart attack left him unable to work.
Since he lost his mother five years ago, he has spent Christmas Day alone.
The 58-year-old said: “When you open your curtains at Christmas, there isn’t usually snow, or a robin sitting on a hedgerow. It is grey and possibly wet.
“With a family, the kids get up early and open their presents, they make noise. I could describe what my Christmas is like, but it’s just silence.”
But this year, Mr Doyle decided enough was enough and with the help of friends and a £530 grant from county councillor Gary Cooke he is hosting a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, optional bingo, then tea, coffee, mince pies and a sing-song at the Fusion Café in Cobb Way, Maidstone.
Mr Doyle isn’t alone. Maidstone Day Centre is hosting a Christmas meal on the 22nd for its homeless clients, while on Christmas day in Margate, priest John Taylor, will take over the Ty8 Restaurant in Northdown Road, to host more than 80 people who have nowhere else to go for lunch.
A free dinner with all the trim- mings, is to be held at Sittingbourne’s Phoenix House in Central Avenue on Christmas Day and Boxing Day by Companion- ship at Christmas.
Medway Sunlight Rotary Club is hosting a meal at Chatham and Strood Salvation Army’s base in Church Street, Chatham.
The Salvation Army centre in Portland Road, Hythe, will also be hosting a Christmas dinner.
For full details, including many more events, or to book, visit: communitychristmas. org.uk