Video | Thursday, 19th December 2019

Annual community Christmas event a ‘fabulous day’

Local residents enjoyed a festive lunch at the Brooks building

The University welcomed 70 residents for a special over-50s Christmas lunch to help tackle social isolation in older people.

The annual event, which is now in its fourth year, gives older members of the community of Hulme the opportunity to come together in a relaxed space and enjoy a Christmas lunch, entertainment, raffle and bingo.

The University organised the event in collaboration with the Manchester Age-Friendly (MAFN) team, the Local Delivery Lead for Ambition for Ageing (AfA) – a £10.2 million Greater Manchester programme aimed at tackling social isolation in older people.

Residents are encouraged to attend via their local housing association, such as One Manchester and People First, or through community centres and projects in Hulme, including Aquarius Community Centre, Big Life and the Top of the World project.  

Janet Fallon, Wellbeing Co-ordinator at People First, said: “For some people the Christmas lunch has been the only opportunity they have had to celebrate with friends – I would like to say a big thank you to Manchester Met for putting on such a fabulous day.”

Josie Sykes, Community Engagement Manager at Manchester Metropolitan, added: “This was a great opportunity for people to come together at the Brooks building to have fun and spend time with each other. We have worked with groups from across Hulme to ensure that we are reaching out to those who will really benefit from events like this.

“A big thank you to all of the student volunteers, community partners and staff members, who have all contributed to a great event and memorable day for residents of Hulme.”