Together at Christmas

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 dreaded, sad and lonely time. Marmalade Trust understands how difficult Christmas can be for someone who is struggling with loneliness.

They don’t want anyone to spend Christmas Day alone if they don’t want to, so they invite them to join them for a free festive lunch on the big day, or a doorstep visit. Those who join them (members) are those who feel particularly lonely and isolated this year, for example, a person of an older age who may have no family or friends around. Everyone is made to feel part of the Marmalade family!

Eligibility

The Christmas Cheer project is open to people who:

• Will not see anyone on Christmas Day, no friends / family to share some of the day with

• Feel lonely all or most of the time

• Live in own or rented home, not currently homeless or in temporary accommodation

• Christmas meal only: Able to self mobilise, get in / out of transport to venue and keen to be with others

• Doorstep visit only: Able to self mobilise to get to front door, and keen to have some connection on Christmas Day

• Please note: The project is available for those who don’t require specialist support services, such as for mental health crisis and substance misuse. For a list of more specialised support services, go to marmaladetrust.org/support-for-loneliness.

Refer yourself or someone you know by filling in this online form.

Christmas Cheer 2025

They are delighted to be accepting volunteer applications and referrals for Christmas Cheer this year, head to their website for more information.