A care home near Wisbech will be opening its doors to several people from the community to help tackle loneliness. 

Open to elderly people who may usually eat alone, Hickathrift House is inviting members of the public to join the residents and teams at the home every Wednesday for soup and a freshly baked bread roll, as well as cakes and hot beverages. 

Diners will be treated to a tasty lunch in the home’s dining room. Guests will have a chance to chat with the home’s staff and residents while enjoying their food and will be able to take part in a fun friendly game of bingo with those at Hickathrift after their meal. 

The home’s head chef is happy to provide a range of refreshments to meet visitors' dietary needs and preferences, so diners are able to eat to their fill accompanied by a wide selection of beverages. If you are interested in attending, you can call 01945 430636 to book your space. 

The ‘Wednesday winter Warmers’ initiative was launched by care provider Barchester Healthcare as a way to reach out to isolated or vulnerable members of their local communities. 

General manager at Hickathrift House who will greet the diners, Paula Colman, said: “Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people, especially as the weather gets colder. Our doors are always open to new friends of the home.”