HILL House held a successful free ‘Don’t Eat Alone’ lunch for people in Honiton and Combe Raleigh.
The care home managed by the charity Abbeyfield Living Society was joined by people who would otherwise have been eating alone for a fish and chips lunch.
It was followed by music provided by local band The Jim Jamz, who are fronted by Rachel and Albert Murphy, the daughter and son-in-law of a former resident. A harpist provided further entertainment.
Nic Trueman, Hill House’s activities and wellbeing lead, said, “We know that there are people in our community who live on their own, and we have witnessed the untold damage that loneliness can do to one’s mental and physical wellbeing.
“With the immeasurable value we place on social interaction, we created this opportunity to invite people in who would benefit from a hearty lunch, some fantastic company and entertainment, and maybe even make some new friends.”
Hill House provides residential and dementia-friendly care and support for up to 30 older people, and also offers respite stays as a way to give full-time carers a break, ease a person’s recovery after a hospital stay, or serve as an introduction to long-term residential care.
The ‘Don’t Eat Alone’ initiative followed the home’s highly successful Christmas dinner, where 10 guests, who would otherwise have spent the day on their own, came along to enjoy turkey with all the trimmings – and even received a present from Father Christmas himself.