As over 2 million older people face Christmas alone, The Rainbow Foundation Opens its doors on Christmas Day.

Christmas is typically a time of togetherness, as we celebrate the festive season with friends and family. Yet over two million older people in the UK spend Christmas alone (Age UK). As shops and services close for the Christmas period, they often find themselves feeling increasingly isolated.

This year the Rainbow Foundation’s committed team of volunteers, made up of staff and community members, will open Rainbows doors on Christmas Day to support clients across their services. The initiative will support older people alongside clients from their Social Prescribing service, all of whom are facing Christmas alone. This includes collecting anyone with mobility and transport issues before cooking a festive meal.

Social Prescriber Jo Hammond is at the heart of the plan, she says “Many people are on their own through the festive season, having a microwave meal for one rather than a Christmas Dinner with loved ones. Loneliness really impacts mental health and that’s heightened at Christmas when the focus is on family.”

She adds “Loneliness is a greedy emotion which can transfer and affect anyone at any time. We wanted to be inclusive to all to ensure all clients have someone and somewhere to turn during what can be a challenging time. We are also looking forward to the intergenerational connections which may come out of sharing a space filled with kindness, warmth, food and gifts.”

Jo, alongside other members of the Rainbow volunteering team, will be serving a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and exchanging gifts that have been donated by the local community including an appeal supported by Overton Nursery.

“I’m so thankful that everyone who is coming together to make sure this will be a Christmas to remember for all the people who are joining us. It’s a real team effort from the Rainbow elves wrapping the gifts, to our chef Michelle who is leaving her own family on Christmas Day to cook our dinner.”

Jo urges anyone who finds Christmas a difficult time to reach out and ask for help. Social Prescribing is available to anyone aged 18+ and registered with a Wrexham GP. Referrals can be made via your surgery, or you can self-refer by emailing spt@therainbowfoundation.org.uk