ActivLives lunch club achieved an incredible milestone after reaching 18 years of delivering community meals in Ipswich at the St Mary at Stoke Church Hall. The hub is part of the charity’s programmes to fight isolation and loneliness and build connection especially among older residents in the local community.

Started in November 2007 at the same church hall, it was a part of the Town & Bridge Project (which later became ActivLives) established in partnership with the church. Anita Bimpson, a member of the church volunteered to help establish the Lunch Club, alongside ActivLives CEO Julie Stokes.

Anita shared how the lunch club through the years impacted many people. “I’ve seen people’s lives changed as they come as they grown and as they made friends. Our lunch club is very much like a family. If somebody is not well, there’s always people who are concerned”, she said. Anita has now hung up her apron and has become a member but still enjoys her Tuesday hot two course meal and seeing all the people she has supported over the years.

The Lunch Club started with 8 members and now caters for up to 30 people every week. Linda West now heads the team of seven volunteers who help support often very lonely and isolated older adults and make sure they have an enjoyable experience together, a healthy meal, support and friendship.

Linda said,” I really enjoy my time with ActivLives and look forward to every Tuesdays leading a friendly team of volunteers, we are all there for each other. It is lovely to see the members and volunteers together.”

Over the year, ActivLives has delivered 43 Lunch Club sessions with 48 people registered and 920 attendances. To find out more how to support and be part of the lunch club, please contact the charity on 01473 345350.