Every year for over 11 years, Fareham Christmas Day Lunch has been held on Christmas Day for anyone in Fareham who has found themselves alone at Christmas. Usually held in the church hall of St John's Church in Redlands Lane, the lunch invites local people, to share great food, good company and festive fun with fellow guests and volunteers; however, last year we were sadly unable to offer Christmas Lunch in the same way due to the pandemic.

A vast number of people had to isolate and spend Christmas away from loved ones last year, but with the support of our staff, volunteers and others in the community, we were able to provide a safely distanced visit and some festive cheer to as many people as possible. Instead of our annual lunch and festivities, our volunteers delivered a pre-cooked Christmas meal and hamper directly to the doorstep of those members of the community who were alone on Christmas Day.

This year, we are be able to meet up in person at St John's Church once again, and we would love to make this a very special event for those who would otherwise be home alone again. With transport, three-course festive lunch, carol singing, a raffle and gifts to take home, we would love your support to make this a very a special day and hope that we can spread some cheer and share Christmas Day with people in Fareham who would otherwise be alone. Should the rules regarding social gatherings change in the coming weeks, we will provide our guests with a socially distanced Christmas day visit, hamper and gift, once again.

Please help us to keep this proud Fareham tradition going for many years to come.

We are also looking for kind donations of gifts and food items, crackers and serviettes - anything that will help make the day festive and special. Physical donations can be dropped at our Fareham office - Community First, 163 West Street, PO16 1EF - at any time between 10 and 3pm Mon-Fri, and you can contact us on 0300 500 8085, at support@cfirst.org.uk. or via our website https://www.cfirst.org.uk/contact/

Thank you in advance!