Christmas Dinner and Boxing day meet up to bring the lonely and isolated together in Spalding

Nobody has to be lonely this Christmas, thanks to two events being held over the festive period.

Community Mind Matters is hosting a Christmas Day meal for people who would be on their own to meet up, while a social event for isolated people and families will take place on Boxing Day.

Organiser Vanessa Browning decided to stage the events after hearing ‘heartbreaking’ stories of locals being alone over the festive period.

After hosting a Christmas dinner for 25 people last year, she hopes this year’s event can help connect more people, whose loneliness will only be magnified by being surrounded by neighbours spending time with their loved ones.

“I came up with the idea last year as I was talking to members of the group, asking them what their plans were for Christmas, and they were telling me they’d be on their own,” Vanessa said.

“It was heartbreaking to hear these stories. It can be a very difficult time for people who are on their own.”

The meal will run from noon to 3pm at St Norbert’s Church in Spalding, including a Christmas dinner, dessert and mince pies, with the main course prepared by Vanessa and daughter Rachel Woods-Turner.

“It can be a very lonely time of year and I’d like to help people meet up with other people and have a nice time,” Vanessa added.

“The atmosphere last year was amazing and I’m hoping we can do it again.”

Community Mind Matters – which supports people suffering with depression and anxiety across South Holland and the Deepings – is also asking the public for donations of gifts which can be handed out to guests at the meal.

These can be delivered to the Hughes electrical store in Spalding’s Sheep Market.

Boxing Day’s gathering will be held at Pinchbeck Baptist Church, where people can enjoy a buffet and mix with one another.

“Christmas can be a tough time for young mums, for single parent families and all families,” Vanessa added.

“It’s an expensive and worrying time of year. Lots of people can get themselves into debt at Christmas.

“I want to help them find a nice group where they can find other people to talk to.”

Anyone who wants to attend either event is asked to let Vanessa know by calling 07376 157004.