Abbeyfield is marking its 60th anniversary with the launch of its national Companionship at Christmas campaign for isolated older people living in the communities around its 500-plus houses and homes across the country. The older people's charity is holding nationwide events where Abbeyfield houses will be offering plenty of festive food-focused events, from coffee mornings to mince pies and carols, as well as overnight stays for over-55s who would otherwise be waking up to an empty house on December 25.

Companionship at Christmas was launched yesterday (November 20) on Stir Up Sunday, the start of Advent and the day that Christmas cakes are traditionally made to give them six weeks to mature until Christmas Day itself.

Communal cake baking sessions took place across the country in Abbeyfield houses and homes, when local older people and volunteers were asked to share in the fun with residents. Those who joined in were encouraged to come back to help ‘feed’ the cake they created together with a Christmas tipple, while building new friendships that will last long after the tinsel comes down and the tree is packed away.

Abbeyfield’s Morriss House in Crouch End, North London is just one Abbeyfield House involved in the charity’s Companionship at Christmas campaign.

The house is going to be running a weekly baking class for residents and older people from the community to get together and enjoy companionship in the kitchen.  

90-year-old Mary is a keen member of the class having been introduced to Abbeyfield after being made homeless following a house fire. Not only did Morriss House give her somewhere to live, the staff and residents there provided her with a new world of warmth and companionship. 

She said: “I came to Morriss House for respite care after a fire in my flat and I am so glad I did. I wasn’t supposed to be here for very long but I ended up staying for four months.

“Originally, I was put into another flat but I would have been so lonely by myself. There is such a family atmosphere here at Abbeyfield and I have made such good friends, so much so I come back at least once a week to see them. I love coming here for Christmas - the friendship and the activities mean so much to me, I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”

George Phillips, a volunteer activities coordinator at Morriss House, runs the weekly baking classes.

He said: “I really think my baking classes go down so well because it helps people feel part of something, part of a creative process. They get to craft something from start to finish so the end product feels just that little bit more special to them.

“I think the creativity involved helps our residents use their minds to their full potential and it’s reminiscent in the sense that many of our residents with dementia may not be able to remember certain events, but they can remember life-long activities such as cooking.”

Morriss House will also be opening its doors to offer free Christmas Day lunches to older people as part of Companionship at Christmas, as will many other Abbeyfield houses across the country.

Abbeyfield chief executive Natasha Singarayer, said: “Our Companionship at Christmas campaign was born out of Abbeyfield’s desire to give as many older people as possible some golden moments to enjoy and remember. It’s a sobering thought that an estimated 500,000 older people will be spending Christmas alone this year.  

“The ideal Christmas is about companionship, laughter, and being with friends and family sharing food and togetherness. But sadly for many older people who find themselves isolated during the festive period, the reality is very different.

“Companionship at Christmas will be providing just that – warmth, friendship, and of course great food – during the festive period and beyond, whether that’s getting involved in Golden Moments events or helping to prepare the Christmas Day feast. 

“We hope as many people as possible will find Companionship at Christmas with us in 2016, enjoying friendship, laughter and festive food with Abbeyfield.”