Jacksons Lane issues rallying cry for volunteers to support elderly north Londoners alone on Christmas Day

Jacksons Lane, the Highgate-based arts centre, is planning the most ambitious charitable Christmas Day campaign in its 45-year history, in order to meet rising demand for support, and to contend with social distancing measures.

And so they are recruiting volunteers who are able to lend a hand this Christmas and make a huge difference for some of the most vulnerable people in the local community.

For over 40-years, Jacksons Lane has hosted a free volunteer-led Christmas Day event for elderly and disabled people who would otherwise be alone during the festive period. In fact, the event has been running for almost the entire time that Jacksons Lane has been an arts centre.

Because of social distancing rules, they could not host elderly people as they would normally do this year. Further adding to the challenges faces is an ongoing redevelopment project, which means that the building is under construction.

To deliver despite these difficulties, they have decided to produce festive hampers which will be filled with food, handmade craft gifts and other goodies.

These hampers will be delivered across north London, which will allow elderly residents to feel the supportive embrace of the community around them, despite the isolation that so many have had to endure during this year.

However, they will need volunteers to help with the production of these hampers, and well as people who are willing to deliver them on Christmas Day. Volunteering is listed as a Government Tier 2 exemption, meaning that people can take part and help in a variety of ways.

Whether you are interested in cooking food, delivering it to elderly people on Christmas Day, or even hosting an elderly person for lunch, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

To discover more about volunteering and helping elderly people around North London during the festive period, email christmas@jacksonslane.org.uk.