A HOUSING and care charity is offering free festive meals and accommodation for older people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas.

The Abbeyfield Society has had several hundred phone calls from troubled older people across the country dreading the prospect of spending Christmas alone.

The charity, established in 1956, has 517 houses in which more than 8,000 older people live in a supported family-like atmosphere including Abbeyfield House in Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon, and in Rowden Hill, Chippenham.

Throughout the year, the houses offer coffee mornings, arts and crafts and gentle excercise classes.

In the fifth year of the Abbeyfield Society’s annual Coping at Christmas campaign, these houses will be offering Christmas meals, overnight stays and a chance to enjoy the company of other over 55s living independently during the festive period.

Abbeyfield chief executive Natasha Singarayer said: “It is incredibly sad that older people are already becoming distressed and worried about Christmas, a time that’s supposed to be about joy and happiness.

“If you or a family member or friend are worried about being alone at Christmas please call or email and we can register you with your local Abbeyfield house.”

To volunteer or to find out more, call 01727 734066, email coping@abbeyfield.com or visit www.abbeyfield.com/accommodation-search/western/a/abbeyfield-house-ba15-1ep/