Organisations band together to banish loneliness at Christmas
A number of Dundee not-for-profit organisations with support from the business community have thrown a cracker of a Christmas party for over 100 older people at risk of isolation this Christmas.
The party was organised jointly by Helping Older People Engage (HOPE), Dundee Voluntary Action, Royal Voluntary Service, Dundee Community Transport and Dial-OP and Go.
The Christmas cracker, which was free to attend, kicked off at 2 pm on Wednesday 28th November at Menzieshill Community Centre. Party guests tucked into sandwiches, cakes and treats, with the festivities also featuring a raffle and live music courtesy of Wayne O’Hare and a choir from St Paul’s School.
The event was boosted by generous donations of food, vouchers and money, courtesy of a number of businesses. The show of solidarity from the business community helping to banish Christmas isolation consisted of Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Scotmid, M&S, Spar, Fisher and Donaldson, Scott’s Butchers, Hobbycraft, Bield Housing Association, Blackadders and the Rotary Club of Dundee.
Hillcrest community engagement officer Maureen McLay said: “With older people often being the most likely to find themselves isolated and lonely, the HOPE project aims to bring people together and encourage engagement in local events and activities.”
“At this time of year with festivities going on around us, the isolation that our service users have suffered often only increases. As well as our regular events, this Christmas party aimed to bring some festive cheer and get everyone having a great time!”
Dundee Voluntary Action older people’s service development officer Nicola Mitchell added: “Many people who are isolated can often feel like they are missing out at Christmas, and this celebration was intended to give them a celebration they might never have otherwise had. However, it’s the very generous support from our sponsors that has helped make this event happen. I’d like to thank every company and organisation that has helped make a huge difference to someone’s Christmas.”