Christmas is often associated with gifts, spending time with loved ones, and the luxury of home comforts. Yet for some, the entire season can be a dreaded time of year that amplifies even the smallest of absences, leaving many people lonely, hungry and isolated. In this article I’ll be letting you know what’s happening across the borough of Merton to stop this Christmas from being a lonely, dark or isolated one. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion etc, there are three places within the borough that are opening their doors on the 25th December to offer local people free Christmas meals!
Firstly, Churches Together are hosting their annual Christmas Dinner at the Vestry Hall in Mitcham where 80+ people will be gathering to enjoy some food and get into the Christmas Day spirit. Although this appears to be a pre-booked Christmas Dinner, we have faith that nobody will be left out in the cold this Christmas! Click here for the address and more details on the Vestry Hall.
Secondly, the Sacred Heart Church in Wimbledon will be hosting its annual Christmas Day Lunch for people from the Wimbledon and Raynes Park area, who might otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Their address is Edge Hill, Wimbledon, London SW19 4LU and you can click here for their website or contact them via 0208 946 0305.
Finally, the Alexandra Pub in Wimbledon are once again opening their doors to anyone who is alone on Christmas Day. With free food, drinks and great company on the menu, you surely wouldn’t want to stay at home alone! Their address is 33 Wimbledon Hill Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 7NE and all you need to do is turn up on the day!
We hope that this article gives people all over the borough somewhere to go if they might be alone this Christmas, and encourage you all to check in on your neighbours during this festive period. Please share this article with your friends, families and anyone around you because you never know who might need it. Additionally, if you or anyone in the area needs extra support during this season, please contact local charities such as the Wimbledon Guild or MVSC who may be able to offer their assistance.
Last but not least, be Merry and enjoy all that Merton has to offer this Christmas season!
Written by Genevieve Etienne-Farrell
