While many of us look forward to good food and quality time with friends and family, Christmas can be a challenge for some.

For those who struggle financially, Christmas shopping for food and presents may be difficult and for others who are alone or may not have friends or family nearby, Christmas can be a lonely time.

So, what is going on in in and around Teddington to help those who may be alone, homeless, or struggling this Christmas? 

Christmas Day lunch at Elleray Hall

Churches Together in Teddington is again inviting the elderly and those who are alone on Christmas Day to join them for a traditional Christmas meal.

The financial support for this initiative comes from the Hampton Fund. 

The lunch is free and takes place in a Christmas party atmosphere and transport can be provided.

There will also be entertainment, mince pies and other refreshments as well as the chance to join in carols and other activities.

Churches Together Teddington can cater for around 50 guests from:

• Teddington
• Hampton Wick
• Hampton Hill
• Hampton
• Twickenham

Help is needed to ensure that the Christmas Day Lunch at Elleray Hall is a success.

Volunteers are needed to help in many different ways:

• to set up on Christmas Eve
• prepare and serve food
• act as table hosts
• entertain the guests
• drive people to and from the event
• clear up on Boxing Day

The event will run from 11am – 3.30pm at Elleray Hall on Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December.

If you would like to attend or volunteer to help then please register by contacting John Lunt either by calling him on 07503 584532 or emailing him at [email protected].

Food parcels for disabled people from Ruils

For those with disabilities, shopping for their Christmas meals and cooking them can be difficult.

Thus, Ruils is currently taking donations for Christmas food parcels up until 18 December.

For the fifth year, Ruils is collecting food donations to put together Christmas food parcels for local disabled people in need.

All food donations can be dropped off at the Ruils office in Teddington at 4 Waldegrave Road between 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday.

Ruils is a user-led charity supporting Disabled children and adults and people with long term health and mental health conditions to live independently, be part of their community and to live life to the full.

Richmond Christmas Fund

The Christmas season is a special time of year - a time to celebrate with loved ones and create memories that will last forever.

Unfortunately, not everyone can share in the holiday spirit and many residents in the borough don't have the financial means to prepare a festive meal, let alone purchase gifts.

Richmond Cares Richmond Gives (RCRG) doesn't want anyone to miss out on the holiday season. That's why it runs the Richmond Christmas Fund.

Each year, the Christmas Fund distributes grocery vouchers to individuals and families in need.

Children 11 and under also receive toys, books, and sports equipment, while youth aged 12 to 17 are given gift cards. 

The programme is supported by nearly 100 volunteers, who contribute well over 1,400 hours annually. Hundreds of other Richmond residents, businesses, and community groups donate cash and toys.

RCRG has put the word out to Santa: if he's ever recruiting new elves, Richmond is full of amazing candidates.

RCRG has always believed that a community comes together best when it's needed the most. In the Richmond Christmas Fund, it has proof.

For more information on the program, call 604-279-7020. 

Cocoon's Christmas Day lunch and gifts for young adult care leavers

For young adults who grew up in the care system, having people to spend Christmas Day with can be hard to find.

Thus, Richmond-based charity, Cocoon,  is hosting a Christmas Day lunch for young adults, aged between 18-25, who grew up in care.

Cocoon's mission is that no care leaver should feel alone on Christmas Day.

The charity is also giving personalised gifts to its guests based on things they want through its Amazon wishlist.