Residents in Melksham who face Christmas alone this year and would not be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner can now take advantage of a special scheme launched by Age Friendly Melksham.
The project will see volunteers deliver extra portions of their Christmas dinner to people stuck in their homes this Christmas.
Age Friendly chair Jon Hubbard said, “This year, more than ever, we will see families unable to come together as they normally would because of Coronavirus. Therefore, there will be many individuals and couples who face Christmas Day alone at home rather than with their loved ones.
“We want to bring a little bit of Christmas sparkle to their day with a home-cooked Christmas dinner delivered to their door ready-to-eat. In Melksham our ‘Age Friendly Family’ will see us all not only getting a Christmas dinner delivered, but a friendly phone call for a good gossip.”
Age Friendly co-ordinator, Phillipa Huxtable explained, “In recent years loneliness and social isolation have received increased coverage by the media and with Covid-19, many of us have seen first-hand how distressing the impact of physical separation from other people can be.
“People of all ages have found it difficult to maintain social connections amidst the concerns of the pandemic and it seems likely that the underlying effect of loneliness and isolation can impact on our health and wellbeing.”
Age Friendly Melksham, the team who are delivering the successful Melksham Community Support scheme, are working with Melksham residents to address social isolation and loneliness, supporting overall wellbeing. They are keen to let residents know about their Christmas Meals project.
Phillipa added, “We know many people will be alone or unable to join their family this Christmas and the impact of limited contact may be a real struggle for some, so we want to deliver some festive cheer.”
Jon explained, “We are asking for volunteers to cook and deliver an extra portion this Christmas, so that we can put them in touch with someone who would otherwise go without.”
The team plan to introduce volunteers to someone nearby who is feeling isolated, having not been able to leave their home for many months, or whose Christmas with the family this year is not possible because of Covid-19 concerns.
Phillipa continued, “Once we have introduced volunteers to someone, they can talk to each other about likes, dislikes and agree the best time to deliver their Christmas meal and make someone’s day. We are very happy to take referrals from those working in our community or from family and friends not able to be with their loved ones this year. I would ask that people call us if they think we can help”
If you are aware of someone who would benefit from this service or you are someone who is feeling isolated and not looking forward to Christmas alone, you can call the team on 01225 809265. Details are also available at: www.agefriendlymelksham.org.uk
