Don't Lose Hope in Bourne is one of the venues offering a place for people to visit on Christmas Day

For most people Christmas is a time to savour, to celebrate with loved ones and cherish our friends and families.

But that is not the case for everyone.

Many people across the area will find themselves alone or in a family environment where they don’t want to be.

However, for people in the Bourne area, there will be a chance for people to break the routine and meet up with others on Christmas Day.

The Don’t Lose Hope venue will be open for four hours on December 25 (Sunday).

The North Street centre will open its doors to allow people who find themselves alone at Christmas to meet up.

“Some people don’t want to be at home for whatever reason as it’s too difficult, and others are on their own,” explained CEO Nicola Brister.

“They appreciate the chance to get out and be with other people.

“The first year we did this, pre-Covid, we had about 50 people attend.

“The numbers are getting back up again and last year we had 23 people.”

A Don’t Lose Hope statement read: “We will be opening again on Christmas Day this year between 11am and 3pm.

“This is for anyone who is going to be alone, or needs to be somewhere different to home.

“We will have food, drinks, games and company.

“If you know anyone who would benefit please contact us or pop along and join us on the day.”

Don’t Lose Hope have been inundated with donations of food for the event, where a cold buffet will be provided.

The Christmas day event is open to anyone in Bourne and its surrounding villages.

But people hoping to attend are asked to book by calling 01778 420 762.

People who are lonely on Christmas are often warned to avoid social media, as seeing posts of others with their loved ones could emphasise your isolation.

However, comedian Sarah Millican hosts an annual event called #joinin which invites people to use the hashtag to come together and chat to her and others on December 25.