Boxing Day dinner to be dished up to Sunderland's older generation as charity opens its doors for party

An Elvis impersonator entertains at a previous Age UK's Boxing Day lunch, at the Bradbury Centre, Sunderland.

But Age UK is busy making plans to ensure the elderly who would otherwise be alone over the holidays still get to join together for celebrations.

Sunderland’s branch of the charity says there will be more than 1.2 million older people across the UK will be lonely this Christmas.

To help those across the city, it will open its doors on Boxing Day once again as it serves up a two-course lunch, with entertainment and games also planned at its Bradbury Centre in Stockton Road.

The Bradbury Centre, run by the Sunderland branch of Age UK Sunderland in Stockton Road, will host a festive dinner on Boxing Day.

Mayor of Sunderland Councillor David Snowdon and mayoress Councillor Dianne Snowdon will also be calling in to join in the party spirit.

Tracy Collins, director at Age UK Sunderland, said: “‘Spending Christmas alone is often a sad reality for too many older people in Sunderland.

“Life circumstances and ill health can often lead to many older people being socially isolated and alone during the festive period and all year round.

“Staff and volunteers at Age UK Sunderland always ensure that support and a friendly face is available for those who need it.

“As a charity, we rely on the help of local businesses in the city to ensure we can make the celebration memorable.

“We would like to thank our staff and volunteers for dedicating their time to bring their festive cheer and to all of those who donated to make the day special.”

More information about the work of Age UK in Sunderland can be found via its website

stive cheer and to all of those who donated to make the day special.”

More information about the work of Age UK in Sunderland can be found via its website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/sunderland/ and it can be called on (0191) 514 1131.

The organisation is also in search of volunteers to help it support its work.

It is in urgent need of people to help lead its Thursday lunch club, which runs from 9.30am to 2pm.

It is also searching for people who can help it run activities and clubs, brefriending projects and visit people in their houses and residential homes.