The Big Christmas Lunch Help Out

It's the holidays

Staying in London for the holidays? It can be a strange time, with university life stopping for 4 weeks and your usual term-time routines going out the window! We've got just the thing to keep you active, have some fun, and meet new people. A beautiful Christmas lunch for older people, where the aim is to fill the room with stories and laughter, good food, and games. You will be part of a Newham Council event that is committed to creating a warm and memorable experience for residents.

What would I be doing?

Don't worry - you don't need any specialist skills or experience, we promise! You'll be part of a team with people who are really experienced with hosting and working with older people. You will be adding so much by being a smiling face and a friendly support to enable people to get a fantastic meal. The following tasks* need done on the day: 
 

• Assist with setup, table/cutlery set up and general support
• Greet the guests and giving a warm welcome in reception 
• Helping guests from their transport drop-off to the front desk
• Elevator Assistance
• First Floor Landing (Welcome) 
• Seating guests for lunch 
• Support with Bingo/games (hand out tickets/dabbers)

*Note: Some roles may be adjusted on the day to meet the needs of the event.

During lunch, once guests are seated, 2 volunteers will be assigned per table to help serve meals. Each volunteer will be assigned a table to ensure all guests receive their meals. Volunteers are encouraged to sit with guests and engage in conversation to make the event more enjoyable for them. It's always really fun to hear the stories from people who have lived a long life. Discover London and other places round the world from the dinner table!

After lunch, everyone will help with packing down and seeing guests out. We will also have staff, regular volunteers, and possibly some additional help on the day. 

Additional Details

• Dress Code: Smart Casual. Feel free to wear Christmas jumpers or Santa hats!
• Identification: We’ll provide lanyards for easy identification as volunteers.

What's special about this?

This volunteering opportunity will mean you'll be changing the world for almost 300 people, in terms of loneliness and food poverty.

Urban loneliness is growing rapidly round the world and did you know it has a really negative health impact? Some people reckon it's as bad for us as smoking. We love the mission of The Loneliness Lab, which is a global collective of people and organisations on a mission to design connection into the places we live, work, and play. Check them out here. London is no different - for many people in our capital, the holidays can be a really lonely time. And this can be particularly felt by older people. 

We know our students really care about the cost-of-living crisis. You are living it, as young people living in a super expensive capital city. Many people feel this crisis and we've all heard the stories of people going without food so they can feed their children. Older people are really at risk of living in poverty in London - you can read more here. We know you'll love being part of this volunteering because you will be part of a move to get 280 older East Londoners to have a hot meal. Don't worry - we'll make sure you do as well!

By volunteering at this we reckon you'll feel a surge of holiday happiness! A boost in your mental health and a feeling of community and belonging. You'll be part of a team of UCL students and a friendly face from our team will meet you there until you feel confident and happy to stay. Don't worry about not knowing anyone - you will be welcomed with open arms and you're so valuable to this event going well.