It is estimated that 500,000 older people will spend Christmas alone.  Community Christmas takes place between 17 December and 1 January and provides older people who would otherwise be alone with an online map showing festive events and activities in their local area.  Anyone who is not online can call 0800 716 543 and we’ll help match them to an event near to them.

If you are an organisation, community group, charity or individual planning an event between 17 December and 1 January, you can list your event on our online directory today and help older people to find friendship this Christmas.  Your event doesn’t need to be about food. You could have mince pies and mulled wine for your street, a morning walk, or a carol singing celebration. The point is to provide a safe, fun, enjoyable experience for people who may otherwise be alone.  All that we ask is that your event is open to the public and that it's accessible and welcoming to anyone aged 75 or over. 

Last year, despite the complications of Covid, our community Christmas directory highlighted nearly 70 events across the UK, including dinners, lunches carol singing, games and quizzes for those who would otherwise have been alone over the festive season. These took place in church halls, community centres, care homes, arts centres, cafes and even a launderette.

There were many inspirational examples, including a café which prepared and delivered 330 meals, plus a small bottle of wine for older people who could not leave their homes. And in Selsey, Sussex, the community came together to provide a sit-down dinner for 43 and delivered another 60 meals. Table decorations, crackers and drinks were donated by local suppliers. Individuals ensured there were more than enough Christmas puddings and 50 volunteers worked flat out to serve-up and deliver food.

Nicky, 31, a membership manager, organised a meal for ten at his local pub in east London on Christmas Day after raising £800 to fund the event and transport for those who needed it.

He said: “I usually spend my Christmas eve with a few friends or in front of the TV. This year, I was mapping taxi route journeys for all my guests to make sure they got to the dinner. We had a real mix of people come along, from local residents to a woman who couldn’t fly to see her family as she was 36 weeks pregnant. It was lovely to share a meal and hear everyone’s stories, it was a fantastic day.”

And Polly, 28 set-up Christmas lunch at the launderette she runs in Birmingham after speaking to an older lady who had spent last Christmas Day alone in her front room because she has no family.

Polly involved her mum and sister and spread the word in churches, community halls and along the high street.

She said: “Just as we would in our house, we all shared a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and settled in to watch the Queen’s speech in the afternoon. It made us so happy to see our guests having such a good time and my family really enjoyed it too. I’m already planning for next year.”