London charity hosts four parties for older people who will spend Christmas Day alone

During the week beginning 12 December, Age UK Camden held four Christmas parties for older people – three at its resource centres in Hampstead and Kings Cross and one at its head office Tavis House on Tavistock Square. These parties are very important for vulnerable clients who will be spending Christmas Day alone.

The party at Tavis House on Thursday 15 December hosted over 55 guests and included a buffet lunch, carols from the Wellcome Trust choir, a raffle, gifts from Santa and dancing. There was also an impromptu speech from a client- Christine Newell – about how Age UK Camden has made a difference to her.

John Hayes from Camden Community Connectors said: “I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of Aileen who attended the party. She thoroughly enjoyed herself and had a great time. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly - a real boost just before Christmas. I was also sitting next to another client and she too had a great time! Thanks for all your hard work and efforts.”

The party was generously funded by house builder Fairview, which also supported Age UK Camden’s recent Christmas bazaar – one of its biggest fundraising events to date. Simkins LLPand Menzies LLP also supported the event and mince pies were provided by Greggs in Camden.

Suzy Barber, Fundraising Officer at Age UK Camden, said: “This time of year can be difficult for many, but especially older people whose families may have moved away, or whom they’ve lost touch with, or who can’t get out as much as they used to.

“We rely enormously on the support we get from the business community to help us deliver our essential services, such as advice and information phone lines, home visits, befriending, shopping and specialist dementia services, as well as our two resource centres, which provide a sense of community for so many people on their own.”