A BROMSGROVE care home is opening its doors to help combat loneliness in the community this festive season.

On Friday, December 15, from 12pm to 5pm, Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, is helping older members of the community to get into the festive spirit by joining residents and team members for a special Christmas meal.

Studies have shown that almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year. To help tackle loneliness, Care UK has launched its Care to Share initiative, designed to support older people through the festive season.

More than 100 Care UK homes nationwide will be taking part to give older members of the community a safe and sociable space where they can enjoy some festive fun and good company – whether it’s singing along to Christmas carols or watching a Christmas movie with a mince pie.

At Chandler Court, the team have been hard at work spreading Christmas cheer by adorning the home with festive decorations and getting the ovens warmed up. Attendees can expect a buffet lunch, specially prepared by the home’s chef, followed by a Christmas party complete with festive games.

Tina Lilly, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “We’re delighted to be pulling some extra seats up to the table as we invite older members of the community to join residents for our annual Christmas party. “Here at Chandler Court, we firmly believe everyone should have someone to pull their cracker with at Christmas, which is why we’re opening our doors to those who might be feeling lonely or missing that special someone.

Guests will be able to enjoy a delicious Christmas buffet specially prepared by our talented catering team, as well as enjoy some traditional Christmas games and a boogie with residents. “We encourage anyone interested in joining us to sign up quickly, as places are limited – we’re looking forward to spending this special day with some new and familiar friends.”

As part of its community outreach this Christmas, the team at Chandler Court have also been hard at work creating reverse advent calendars for the Catshill Baptist Church Food Bank.

Using donations from team members, residents, relatives and visitors, food item and toiletry advent calendars have been made to support vulnerable people in the local community.