Heanor: Woman hosts free Christmas dinner event for lonely people

Aimee Crompton-Smith hopes to hold the event again next year

A Derbyshire woman organised a free Christmas dinner event in her local community to combat loneliness and in light of growing expenses.

About 60 people enjoyed the meal at the Infinite Wellbeing community centre in Heanor on Saturday.

Aimee Crompton-Smith organised and funded the event with the help of family and local charities.

She said she wanted to give people "a no-pressure environment to enjoy Christmas".

Ms Crompton-Smith said: "It's a free Christmas dinner for anyone who might not be able to afford one this year, or somebody that is lonely, given rising costs and loneliness at this time year.

"[It's all about] embracing the spirit of community and giving at Christmas; I think we're all feeling the pressures of rising costs and Christmas can be a bit of pressure to spend.

"It's something that I could afford to do with the help of family and friends, so why not?"

It was the second of its kind that she had been involved with after feeding locals in Alvaston last year.

'Donations'

Guests were treated to food, drinks and gifts - and Ms Crompton-Smith said she had already started planning for 2024.

She added: "I started the idea in November and it was a bit difficult finding a room and we got there eventually.

"I've only just broken up for work so I've organised most of it in the last 48 hours. Thursday and Friday we were out buying food and we've had loads of donations from the local food bank.

"I'd do it again and I've already got plans in my head for next year and how to make it even better."