One of the objects set out in Gethsemane’s Constitution is to invite people who are lonely and isolated and those in group homes to share Christmas lunch at Gethsemane Community. This year 60 guests plus eight carers were served by 15 volunteers who joined them in celebrating lunch in the grounds at Gethsemane.
Some of the guests came from a nearby Boarding House where many had lived for 20 years without going outside very much; others came from group homes or with their MAT team carers. Many of these people would have not normally felt confident in joining large groups providing Christmas lunch but felt safe at Gethsemane. Some had been coming to Gethsemane for a couple of years while for others, it was their first time.