The free seasonal meal is aimed at the over 60s and is open to Middlesbrough residents who will be spending the big day on their own.
The community Christmas dinner was the brainchild of Health Improvement Specialist Emma McInnes and her team, with support from friends and family members.
They’ve joined forces with Middlesbrough Council colleagues and partners including Age UK, Teesside Mind and the Middlesbrough Literacy Hub.
Those attending will be able to meet new people, stay warm and enjoy a home-cooked meal with great company, music and other festivities.
Organisers have signed up 15 people so far, and expect to welcome between 50 and 60 on the day.
And they’ve been hard at work fund-raising to pay towards food, transport and entertainment, with the total already standing at more than £900.
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.
Middlesbrough Literacy Hub Manager Allison Potter has donated more than 130 books from the National Literacy Trust to distribute to participants on the day including Roy of the Rovers, the Return of Sherlock Holmes, Jane Eyre and others.
Age UK Teesside have been helping to promote the event and will collect referrals, as well as offering ongoing support after the event.
Emma, who has secured a team of up to 20 volunteers to prepare, cook and serve dinner on the day, said: “Christmas Day can be one of the loneliest days of the year for some older people who don’t have a traditional family network and we want to make it a memorable day for them this year.
“It will be such a rewarding and fulfilling time for us as staff and volunteers too, although we expect to be very busy!”
Councillor Jan Ryles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, said: “Christmas should be a day for family, for getting together and celebrating with loved ones.
“For a variety of reasons that that’s not always the case, so this is a wonderful gesture for those who might find themselves alone at a time when isolation, loss and grief can be felt even more keenly.
“It will be a memorable day for all involved, and my heartfelt thanks go out to all the volunteers who have worked so hard to create something truly special.”
• Entertainment and other event costs will be partly funded by Libraries Connected and Arts Council England from the Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.
Any referrals must be received by Monday, December 16.
For details of the venue and eligibility, contact Age UK Teesside on 01642 805500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
