ELDERLY people enjoyed a free Christmas meal at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry thanks to a befriending event.
Coventry Building Society hosted the event which saw around 100 guests attend the lunch on December 5.
Guests were welcomed with drinks and a three-course meal which ended with a tasty Christmas pudding.
Santa made a special appearance and hosted a few rounds of bingo throughout the afternoon of festive fun and gifted prizes for the winners.
Alongside 100 guests, 10 volunteers were at the event which celebrated three-years of the Society’s befriending events.
The events aim to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming space for the City’s elderly community who feel isolated.
Emma Brodie, senior community officer at CBS said: “We’ve been bringing people together for the past three years, reaching out to those who are vulnerable, feel isolated or live on their own.
“What started with a handful of people coming together at the Belgrade just a few years ago has grown into hundreds of get-togethers with coffee mornings, sporting events and trips to the theatre – and today, we’re delighted to be returning our befriending event to the place where it all began.”
Emma added guests with varying abilities and disabilities, including those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s along with guests from local care homes were welcomed.
“There was such a great atmosphere with lots of laugher and singing too.
“We’ve made new friends with some joining us for the first time and some returning guests.
“We offered a three-course festive meal and for some, this will be the only festive lunch they’ll have this year, especially for those that live alone, so today was their Christmas.”
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