Over 265 Christmas dinners to be delivered to Lambeth’s isolated elderly

By Rebecca Spencer

Isolated elderly people will be delivered over 265 Christmas dinners and goodie bags, and get to pull a cracker on their doorstep with volunteers on Christmas day.

The MyHoHoHo scheme created by Age UK Lambeth has seen a wave of support from the local community with over 200 volunteers offering to cook and deliver Christmas dinners on the December 25.

Kim Connell, deputy CEO for Age UK Lambeth, said: “We thought, if people aren’t allowed to come to us, we’ll go to them.

“Some volunteers are excited about it because they’re also on their own for Christmas day.

“People are so fantastic in Lambeth, we are really overwhelmed with the amount of people who have come forward to help. 

“I think the community spirit is going back to how it used to be, people have got more friendly and caring.”

Volunteers will also be calling up elderly residents in the afternoon to check in on them and ask how their dinner was.

Age UK Lambeth usually open their Brixton centre on Christmas day to serve 40 elderly people but that is not possible this year due to restrictions.

Volunteer Kellie Rickell said: “It is important that elderly people don’t feel forgotten, this scheme helps them know that there are people that want to spend time with them on Christmas Day.”

84-year-old Gertrude lives alone in Brixton and has previously received a meal from Age UK Lambeth on Christmas Day.

She said: “I had a nice dinner delivered with a pudding and a lovely little present, it makes a change from the ready meal I would usually have. When you are on your own it brightens up your day.”

Locals are still welcome to volunteer in the MyHoHoHo scheme, to join call 03333603990 by end of day December 21.

You can donate online towards the Age UK Christmas campaign here or text ‘LAMBETHXMAS 5’ to 70085 to donate £5.