Devonshire House care facility in Cavendish invites lonely elderly people to join Christmas Day festivities

A care home in Cavendish hopes to spread festive cheer by welcoming elderly people to join residents and staff on Christmas Day as part of a scheme designed to tackle loneliness.

Devonshire House is inviting people aged 75 or over to its facility in High Street for a Christmas meal.

A series of festive activities are being staged, followed by a group sing-along throughout the day.

Care home manager Stuart Coleman said: “Christmas Day is traditionally a time when families and friends get together for a laugh and a chat over a delicious meal.

“Christmas can be an incredibly lonely time if you live on your own, so we wanted to extend the warmth and companionship of our lovely home to anyone facing the day alone.”

Volunteers from charity Re-engage will be offering a shuttle service.

Mr Coleman added: “We go all out at Christmas for our residents, because some of them don’t have anyone else, and we are seen as their family, so we’re happy to invite some people in to join us for Christmas Day.”

To book a place, call Devonshire House on 0800 032 3685.