Healthwatch Norfolk has created this webpage to offer information and advice on local schemes offering warm spaces, and community schemes for those facing Christmas alone this winter.
Christmas Day lunches
There are a number of places where you can enjoy a Christmas meal and some company on Christmas Day. We will add to this list as we receive more information.
Norwich – Open Christmas at the King’s Centre in Norwich between 11am and 5pm. To find out more about attending or volunteering, you can find the Open Christmas page here.
Bread and Roses Community Cafe on Vauxhall Street in Norwich is serving a Christmas meal. You can book by dropping into the cafe or emailing [email protected]
Silver Road Community Centre is holding a Christmas Dinner on Saturday December 21 at 6pm. It costs £3 per person. To reserve a place, call Julie on 07786 694325.
Love Thy Burger on Aylsham Road is offering a free meal on Christmas Day between 12pm and 2pm for anyone who needs it.
Mile Cross – Theatre and performance group The Common Lot will be cooking turkey or nut roast for all the trimmings for anyone in Mile Cross who will not be getting a Christmas dinner. Pick up or delivery from the Phoenix Centre between 12pm and 2pm. There is no charge. Ask inside for a menu order form.
Great Yarmouth – The Bridge at St Mary Magdalene for those in the Gorleston area. Booking is essential.
Park Baptist Church for those in the Great Yarmouth area. Booking is essential.
King’s Lynn – Christmas lunch in St Faiths Church. Booking is essential. Leave a voice mail on 07841 632457.
Watton – Christmas lunch for those living in Watton and surrounding villages from 1pm. Booking is essential. Call 0796 7739887.
Long Stratton – A free Christmas lunch is arranged for those in need. You can find out the latest updates via their Facebook page here.
Diss – Bailey’s Fish and Chips on Shelfanger Road is offering a free meal to anyone who would be eating alone on Christmas Day between 12pm and 4pm.
Some Salvation Army centres will also offer Christmas Day lunches for those who are vulnerable.
Norwich Salvation Army is offering to deliver Christmas Eve hot lunches, and a Marks and Spencer chilled lunch given to heat up the following day. Booking is essential on [email protected]
Homeless
If you are worried about becoming homeless or have nowhere to stay, Shelter may be able to help. There is a helpful Q and A section with information about what to do here.
They also have a phoneline on 0808 303 5335 open from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (closed weekends and Bank Holidays).
Other support
Norfolk libraries can offer support in a number of ways as part of the County Council’s Warm and Well initiative. Blankets, hot water bottles, free hot drinks, toiletry bags and other sanitary products are available. Just help yourself or ask staff.
The church-linked foodhubs in the Great Yarmouth area have announced their opening times over the festive period. You can find out more by clicking here or find information about Food Hubs here.
The festive season can be an isolating time for some people. If you are finding it hard, the Mental Health Foundation has put together some advice and information online which could help. Click here to find it.
Norfolk County Council has compiled a fact-sheet with information about ways to prepare yourself if there is a cold snap. You can download a copy here.
