On Christmas Day for those who don't have family around them, it can be a lonely time. While most of the usual support services shut down, those who are facing homelessness or just struggling with the rising cost of living may appreciate a warm place to sit down with others and enjoy a hot meal.
The latest research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has revealed that 7.2 million people in the UK are going without the basics like food, clothing and toiletries and 4.7 million people are behind on bills. In a recent YouGov survey, one third of respondents said they would cut back on family gatherings this year due to growing concerns over finances.
Age UK has estimated that one in 20 pensioners in the UK will spend Christmas Day without speaking to anyone. But in Bristol there are a number of venues opening up their doors to those who may otherwise spend the day alone, are short of funds or fancy a day off from cooking and can't afford the Christmas meal pub prices.
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Caring in Bristol is hosting a week on food and a programme of entertainment at The Trinity Centre from December 24-30. It will be open from 10am-4pm every day, including Christmas Day.
Breakfast is served at 11am and lunch is from 12am-3pm. Alongside entertainment there will be a range of health, wellbeing and support services on offer.
The open days over the festive period are targeted at those who are homeless but are also open to anyone in need of support and those who are on their own. There is no need to book in advance but if you would like to make a donation you can access their website here.
The Salvation Army Staple Hill is hosting Christmas Day for those who would otherwise be on their own. The Christmas meal will take place at its community centre in Staple Hill and seasonal entertainment will be included. Festive Hampers will also be given out for free to those attending. You will need to contact The Salvation Army Staple Hill to book a place.
Super Supper Club, which hosts a weekly community meal at Easton Community Centre, is offering a Christmas lunch. It is asking people to message them on Facebook with their name, how many are attending and whether they would like turkey or the vegetarian or vegan option.
Shirehampton JTE Hub will host a Christmas dinner and invite people to join them for food and company. There will be games and films at the event, which will take place at the Shirehampton Methodist church.
There are no restrictions on who can attend and although it is welcoming those who turn up on the day, booking in advance will help it to prepare enough food on the day. It welcomes donations, you can find out more here.
The Oxford pub in Bristol will be hosting a free Christmas lunch event from 12pm on Christmas day, in partnership with The Marmalade Trust, for members of the local community who might otherwise spend the day on their own. The Marmalade Trust, founded in 2013, is a charity dedicated to combating loneliness within the community and works hard to raise awareness of loneliness and empower people to make strong connections.
The pub, owned by Admiral Taverns, is run by licensees John Evans and his partner Ange who have been there for the past 14 years and have become integral members of the surrounding community. This is the third year in a row that they have volunteered to take part in this initiative, and they usually welcome around 20 people to the pub where they are given a free, home cooked Christmas lunch (with all the trimmings), as well live music from popular local talent.
The Marmalade Trust will be hosting Christmas meals in 10 different locations across Bristol this year but they are mostly reserved for its members and are now fully booked.
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