A local charity delivering 300 Christmas dinners across the city has issued an urgent appeal for people with neighbours spending Christmas day alone to contact them.
While many families sit down to enjoy their Christmas festivities volunteers at the Peoples Kitchen in Belfast are providing much-needed support to the lonely and homeless.
The support service began as St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen in April 2017, set up by Ardoyne man and local SDLP councillor Paul McCusker.
He told the Irish News that the number of Christmas dinners delivered has doubled, as the number of referrals to the centre continues to rise.
“Christmas is a time of joy and family, but it can be a sad time for those without a family or a Christmas dinner to enjoy. To ensure no one is left without we will be delivering Christmas dinners to around 300 people across the city.
“The demand is an increase from previous years. Since we launched the service eight years ago the number of deliveries has doubled.
“This is a citywide initiative and I would appeal to anyone who has an elderly or vulnerable neighbour who is living alone to contact us. We are here from early morning until around 4 pm and can send out a meal or make contact with them so they are not alone.”
The charity has been collecting donations for hampers to give to struggling families and hostel packs for the homeless.
Cllr McCusker said while they have many Christmas initiatives the need for support carries on into each new year.
“We have seen an increase in people reaching out for support. In recent weeks we have seen unprecedented numbers of people presenting as homeless and big families struggling amid the cost of living crisis asking how they can provide food, toys and warmth for their children.
“Fuel poverty is hitting people hard and it is a difficult time of year to not be able to heat your home. We have limited funds available to help support those in need.
