Snow is falling, children are playing – and an Edinburgh care home is opening its doors to help combat loneliness in the community this festive season.
On Thursday 7th December, from 10am-12pm, Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, is helping older members of the community to get into the festive spirit by opening the doors to its café to the local community.
Studies have shown that almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year*. To help tackle loneliness, Care UK has launched its Care to Share initiative, designed to support older people through the festive season.
More than 100 Care UK homes nationwide will be taking part to give older members of the community a safe and sociable space where they can enjoy some festive fun and good company – whether it’s singing along to Christmas carols or watching a Christmas movie with a mince pie.
At Murrayside, the team has been hard at work spreading Christmas cheer by adorning the home with festive decorations and warming the ovens up, ready to bake festive treats for the community. Those dropping by will also have the opportunity to meet other people from the community and enjoy Christmas games and carols.
Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “Here at Murrayside, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be opening the doors to our café for the community.
“We know December can be a difficult month for many, so this is a wonderful chance to bring people together to get into the Christmas spirit and a great opportunity for everyone to build new friendships – as well as reminisce over fond festive memories.
“We’d like to invite our older neighbours to book their place at our special event – this is certainly an event yule not want to miss!”