As winter sets in and the cost of living continues to climb, many households across the North East are feeling the strain this festive season.
Families are being forced to stretch already tight budgets, often having to choose between heating, food, and other essentials. For others, the challenges go beyond financial worries; loneliness and isolation are also taking their toll, especially on those living alone.
This Christmas, YMCA North Tyneside is asking for one gift from the people and businesses of the North East: support to ensure their Community Meals reach every person and family who needs a hot meal, warmth and connection this winter.
December is often one of the toughest months of the year, with food, heating and household costs peaking at a time when many families are already under strain, and social isolation can feel heightened. In response, YMCA North Tyneside is increasing the number of Community Meals they’re offering this month, providing more opportunities for people to come together, take some pressure off their household budgets, share a hot meal and feel part of their local community.
Held at Café 1879, the Community Meals are open to everyone, with no criteria, no judgement and no expectations. Individuals are welcome to come on their own, and families are encouraged to come together and share a meal without the worry of cost, in a space designed to be warm, inclusive and supportive.
“Our Community Meals are about much more than just providing food,” said Rachel Dyne, Head of Community at YMCA North Tyneside.
“They offer warmth and a sense of belonging for people in our local community. The meals bring people together, help combat loneliness, create opportunities for conversation, and give people a welcoming space to connect with others.”
“For some, especially those who live alone, attending a Community Meal is the highlight of their week, while for families it can be a chance to sit down together and enjoy a hot meal without added financial stress. With the support of our local community and businesses, we can continue to make sure these meals reach the people who need them most during what can be a very difficult and isolating time of year.”
While Community Meals usually take place on the first Wednesday of each month, YMCA North Tyneside will be running two additional Community Meals throughout December to ensure more people can access this vital support.
The two additional special festive events will take place on Wednesday, 10th December, where YMCA North Tyneside will host a full, sit-down Christmas dinner, supported by local partners Bailey Capital and Care and Connect, who are providing funding and volunteering support.
A Christmas Community Buffet will then take place the following week on Wednesday, 17th December, supported by the Assisted Living Project, offering a more informal, buffet-style meal for the community to enjoy together.
Upcoming Community Meals at Café 1879, YMCA North Tyneside:
- Wednesday 10th December, 4:00pm to 5:30pm, FREE
- Christmas Community Buffet, Wednesday 17th December, 4:00pm to 5:30pm, FREE
YMCA North Tyneside is encouraging everyone who sees this appeal to share the information with friends, family and neighbours who may be feeling the strain this winter, financially or emotionally.
Alongside welcoming more people to the Community Meals, the charity is appealing to the people and businesses across the North East to help make this Christmas wish a reality, whether through volunteering, donations or helping spread the word.
A £50 donation can help provide food and hot drinks for around 30 people, meaning it costs just under £2 for one person to enjoy a hot meal and a welcoming place to sit. Donations help turn YMCA North Tyneside’s Christmas wish into real support for families and individuals across the North East this winter.
The easiest way to donate is online at www.ymcanorthtyneside.org/donate/, where supporters can give a one-off donation or set up a monthly contribution.
For more information about YMCA North Tyneside’s Community Meals, volunteering or how to get involved, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected] www.ymcanorthtyneside.org/community-meals/
After December, the YMCA North Tyneside Community Meals will continue on a weekly basis from January to March, providing a warm, welcoming space for people to come together throughout the colder months.
