Christmas can be a wonderful time to come together as a community. For some, it’s an opportunity to give back, perhaps by helping provide meals for people experiencing homelessness or donating to a local food bank. For others, it can also be a chance to connect with people who may be spending Christmas alone and would welcome some company.
Across Scotland and the UK, there are many organisations offering support, companionship and warm meals over the festive period:
- The Salvation Army hosts Christmas lunches for older people. Contact your local Salvation Army team for details of what’s available in your area.
- Local churches often offer group lunches or community meals at Christmas. It’s worth getting in touch with churches near you to see what they’re hosting.
- The Set Free Project in Glasgow is providing Christmas dinners for families and individuals who are struggling to afford a proper Christmas meal this year.
- Royal Voluntary Service is hosting Festive Spread events throughout Britain during December. These events are free to attend, but numbers are limited, so pre-booking is essential.
- Voluntary Action services may have information on local Christmas meals and events in your area. You can also search online for “[your town or city] community Christmas dinner” to find nearby options.
- The Big Issue offers meals and support for people who are homeless or spending Christmas alone.
And finally, if you’re a shift worker working on Christmas Day, there are some wonderful offers of free meals available as a thank you for your hard work — a small but meaningful gesture during the festive season.
We hope this article helps you feel supported and connected, and that it brings a little comfort and Christmas cheer during what can be a challenging time of year.