Hill House tackles loneliness with ‘Don’t Eat Alone’ lunch

Hill House care home holds successful 'Don't Eat Alone' lunch for people in Honiton and Combe Raleigh who would otherwise be eating alone.

Hill House, a care home managed by the charity Abbeyfield Living Society, were joined by people from Honiton and Combe Raleigh, who would otherwise have been eating alone, for a delicious fish and chips lunch on Monday 17th February.

Residents and staff at the home hosted the free ‘Don’t Eat Alone’ lunch, which was followed by music provided by their favourite local band The Jim Jamz, who are fronted by Rachel and Albert Murphy, the daughter and son-in-law of a former resident. A harpist provided further entertainment.

Nic Trueman, Hill House’s activities and wellbeing lead, said, “We know that there are people in our community who live on their own, and we have witnessed the untold damage that loneliness can do to one’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“With the immeasurable value we place on social interaction, we created this opportunity to invite people in who would benefit from a hearty lunch, some fantastic company and entertainment, and maybe even make some new friends.”

The event was hugely successful. Pauline, who lives alone in the local community, said, “What a wonderful afternoon we've had. Good food, good music and lovely company!”

Another guest commented, “I would normally have been sat at home on my own. This has been such a treat!”

Hill House provides residential and dementia-friendly care and support for up to 30 older people, and also offers respite stays as a way to give full-time carers a break, ease a person’s recovery after a hospital stay, or serve as an introduction to long-term residential care.

Melody Taylor-Brown, Care Home Manager at Hill House, added, “We are our own little community here at Hill House. Although this event lasted only a few hours, we hope that our guests were able to see the clear advantages of life here for our residents. We would be delighted if any of them were to consider joining us for a respite stay or as a resident in the future.”

She added, “The afternoon was such a success that we hope to make this a regular event and help alleviate loneliness in our neighbourhood.”

The ‘Don’t Eat Alone’ initiative followed the home’s highly successful Christmas dinner, where 10 guests, who would otherwise have spent the day on their own, came along to enjoy turkey with all the trimmings – and even received a present from Father Christmas himself!

Find out more about Hill House by visiting www.abbeyfieldliving.org.uk/hill-house and complete the contact form, or call 0808 1699 871.