Festive lunch combats new year loneliness in Worcestershire

Re-engage arranged for guests to be taken to the meal, and put on entertainment

Dozens of older people have enjoyed a festive lunch in a group that aims to reduce loneliness.

The Re-engage Charity runs monthly tea parties where older people in Redditch and Bromsgrove can get together.

It held its festive party on Saturday, where members were brought to The Limes Country Lodge in Solihull, and treated to food and entertainment.

Attendee Brenda Randell, 94, said the sessions offer friendship.

Brenda Randell said the events allow a chance to get out and talk to people

"To get out amongst the world and see the people and talk to people, it is friendship really, you are lonely on your own," she said.

The Re-engage charity seeks to help older people to make new friends and break out of the cycle of social isolation and loneliness.

Alan Wodzynski said too many older people are alone

Alan Wodzynski, from the charity, said: "Too many of the people in our population over 75 live on their own, they have very few visitors if any, they have family that live far away, or they have family that don't care enough.

"We have guests who tell us that they look forward to our Sunday tea parties and it is the biggest activity in their life."

The tea parties are open to all who would like to attend, while the charity is also seeking more volunteers to help run the sessions.