Southampton's biggest free Seniors Christmas lunch feeds 300 older people

Christmas came early for nearly 300 Senior Saints yesterday (Wednesday 13 December) as they joined us at St Mary's Stadium for a free Christmas lunch.

Thanks to the generous support provided by event partner Bargate Homes, this year's Senior Saints Christmas Party was our biggest yet, with all attendees enjoying a cracking Christmas dinner, games and entertainment free-of-charge.

Staff members from both the Foundation and Bargate Homes helped to serve guests a delicious turkey roast with all the trimmings. A host of Saints legends from the 1976 FA Cup winning squad also joined in the festivities, which included a round of Christmas-themed games, raffle, Christmas songs and Secret Santa exchange.

Mark White, managing director of Bargate Homes, said: “It’s great to be a partner with Saints Foundation and we’re all extremely proud to fund another of their fantastic initiatives. Christmas is a time of year when many elderly can feel lonely and isolated, but this event has been jolly, merry and encompasses everything Christmas should be about.

“As a regional housebuilder in Hampshire, we are dedicated to supporting local communities, whether that be building new homes, supporting grassroots football for youngsters, or helping to bring older generations together and feel connected with their community.”

Senior Saints is a free programme for over 60s in Southampton, run by Saints Foundation, the official charity of Southampton FC. There are 12 active sessions run across the city every week, including circuits, seated chair exercise, wellbeing walks and walking sport. Sessions also have an important social element with tea and chat offered post-activities, to reduce the social isolation experienced by many older people.

Paul Hedges, Saints Foundation Health Projects Manager, said: “Christmas is a time for giving and thanks to Bargate Homes’ generous sponsorship, we have been able to invite more older people than ever to enjoy this annual festive celebration.

“For many of the attendees, this will be the only Christmas celebration they get this year. Isolation and loneliness is an epidemic in our older communities and Senior Saints is all about establishing vital connections between people. Once again, a huge thank you to Bargate Homes for making this event bigger and better than ever.”