Festive cheer Charity reaches out to people facing lonely Christmas

A BRISTOL charity is once again offering a helping hand to people who would otherwise perhaps not see anyone or be eating alone on Christmas Day.

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A Bristol charity offering a helping hand to people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day

For the past 12 years the Marmalade Trust has been laying on lunches across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

Christmas time usually conjures up joyful images of family and friends celebrating, exchanging gifts, excited chatter and delicious food. For some people, however, it can be a lonely time. Marmalade Trust understands how difficult Christmas can be for someone who is experiencing loneliness.

For those that come along to several venues across the region on Christmas Day, it is seen as a lifeline during the festive period, to help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness, while also importantly helping them meet new people and make friends and connections that can last far beyond the big day and into the coming months and even years.

This year approximately 250 people will benefit from the festive lunches, and the scheme, called Christmas Cheer, is open to adults of all ages, experiencing loneliness, however, figures show that it is predominately the older generation that come along. Marmalade Trust is an award-winning loneliness charity for all ages, dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and supporting people to find new social connections. Since 2013, it has directly helped thousands of people and has reached millions more. Its mission is simple: to create a society where it is recognised that loneliness exists and support each other to make new connections.

Its name was inspired by Paddington Bear, whose qualities are the cornerstone and basis of what the charity's ethos is all about. Paddington is proactive, with a smile and a hello for everyone.

These are the pillars on which the charity is built as well as the importance of a teddy bear and Amy’s fondness for getting people together over food.