Christmas lunch, Festive Season, Finsbury Park, support and comfort, survivors of domestic abuse, Willesden Green,
Wednesday 19th December 2012
Amid all the publicity about older people being alone for the Festive Season, the UCKG HelpCentre organised Christmas lunch parties for members of this age group in various parts of London on December 15th.
More than 80 Finsbury Park seniors enjoyed a slap up meal at the Rainbow Theatre on Seven Sisters Road; while smaller groups took advantage of the church’s hospitality in such areas as Edmonton and Willesden Green.
All were either members or guests of Caleb, the UCKG HelpCentre’s seniors’ group, which provides support and social events for over 55s, especially where they are alone and do not have families.
At Finsbury Park and Edmonton, the meal was cooked and served by UCKG HelpCentre volunteers. Mrs Taiwo Kuforiji, who attended the Edmonton lunch said: “I enjoyed it, it was well organised and not even a hotel would have given us the type of treatment we got. I really appreciate the love and care.”
At Finsbury Park the hot, freshly cooked main course was made up of dishes that reflected the varied ethnicities of the seniors taking part and was followed by delicious deserts and home-made chocolate cakes.
For the first time the volunteers there included members of UCKG HelpCentre’s RAHAB group in which survivors of domestic abuse who have turned their lives around help women currently dealing with such problems.
By contrast, the Willesden Green group decided on a restaurant meal, and a group of 15 went along to the Dragon King Chinese Restaurant in Park Royal. Not only did the seniors celebrate Christmas in style, but the vice chair of the local Caleb group, Mr Inness was surprised with an 80th birthday cake.
“At each party the seniors enjoyed chatting over the highlights of 2012, reminiscing about times past and enjoying the companionship. At Finsbury Park the more energetic enjoyed dancing, and stayed until well after dark,” added Ignatius Hango, leader of Caleb.
UCKG HelpCentres outside London also held similar events on December 15th.
ENDS
Note to editors:
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
Caleb is a special interest group of the UCKG that aims to support and assist all older people from age 55 up, and to meet the varied needs of people at different stages in their later years.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
