Marmalade Trust
Social Inclusion
We want to provide companionship to lonely and isolated people on Christmas Day through a community meal in restaurants around Bristol.
About this cause
We support lonely and isolated people by helping them to reconnect with their community. We particularly target those whose health and well being is being affected by loneliness; often individuals who are older or have impairments, with limited or no family. Our main project to date is organising friendly Christmas Day lunches in local restaurants for people (our 'guests') who would otherwise be on their own. We also provide our guests with ongoing tailored support to help them join in with community activities and form friendships. Loneliness is a growing public concern with significant health, social and economic consequences. We actively raise awareness about loneliness, to get people talking about it and reduce the stigma. In 2017 we organised the first ever Loneliness Awareness Week.
How this cause brings people in the community together
We purposefully organise our Christmas Day events in restaurants so our guests feel part of their local community. The staff and customers are actively involved and we rely on volunteers who kindly give up their time to drive a guest to/from the venue. Christmas is a time for friends & family; we help provide a great community spirit by collectively supporting people who would otherwise be alone.