Festive event to serve up free Christmas dinners to pensioners in the North East

Over 60s in Middlesbrough who are set to spend Christmas day alone are invited to enjoy a free festive meal, complete with good company and entertainment. 

Designed to combat loneliness over the festive period, the initiative offers participants a warm, welcoming atmosphere, a home-cooked meal and festive activities. 

The event, organised by Health Improvement Specialist Emma McInnes and her team is supported by Middlesbrough Council, Age UK Teesside, Teesside Mind and the Middlesbrough Literacy Hub. 

Organisers have signed up 15 people so far, and expect to welcome between 50 and 60 on the day.

In October, Emma, Public Health colleague Nicky Handley and five others completed a 13-hour, 32-mile sponsored walk from Eston to Whitby to raise the GoFundMe donations.

Volunteers walked from Eston to Whitby in October to raise funds for the community Christmas dinner for the over-60s. L-R: Rob Stockill, Clair Hudson and Emma McInnes (Image: Middlesbrough Council) The total cost for the event is more than £900, so the team is continuing the hard work of fundraising to pay for the food, transport and entertainment.

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In addition to the meal, the Middlesbrough Literacy Hub will provide books as gifts, thanks to a donation of over 130 titles from the National Literacy Trust. 

Age UK Teesside will also handle referrals and offer ongoing support after the event. 

The event is partly funded by Libraries Connected and Arts Council England through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

Referrals must be received by Monday, December 16. For details, contact Age UK Teesside at 01642 805500 or email front.office@ageukteesside.org.uk.