Food, glorious food, is central to the Christmas experience but the opportunity for feasting and sharing festive fun and laughter can be thin on the ground for older people who live alone. This year’s Abbeyfield Society Coping at Christmas campaign is putting the spotlight firmly on food and is inviting over-55s who live alone into its 500-plus homes and houses around the UK to share free Christmas meals, cake and of course companionship, laughter and warmth.

Pope Francis condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris, forcefully condemned the terrorist attacks saying in a telephone call to TV2000, the television station of the Italian Episcopal Conference: “There is no justification for such things, neither religious nor human. This is not human. It is difficult to understand such things, done by human beings.” He said he was praying for the families of the victims, for France “and for all those who suffer.”

Birmingham City Council's latest budget consultation gets underway next month when detailed proposals for 2016 onwards are published. And, even before the formal consultation begins, residents from across the city are already helping to shape the future of council services.

Moments Café, which opened this week alongside the LGBT Centre at Holloway Circus, will be serving freshly-made breakfasts and lunches, snacks, cakes and drinks. It is the first business venture for John Taylor Hospice, whose motto every moment matters was the source of inspiration for the café name.

The hospice hosts the event each year, bringing together friends and families from across Birmingham for an evening of readings, music and time for quiet reflection. “Join us in Erdington Central Square on Sunday 13 December from 6pm – everyone is welcome,” said Helen Cotter, spiritual care lead at John Taylor Hospice. “For people who have lost loved ones, times of year that are strongly associated with families and family celebrations can be hard to bear.