A campaign to encourage people to think about older neighbours who might be spending Christmas alone has been launched in Barnet.

The campaign, led by community food-sharing project Casserole Club in partnership with Barnet Council and the Barnet Group, encourages people to help older neighbours by sharing a Christmas meal with them. 

Research from Age UK shows that more than 50 per cent of those over 80 years old in the UK are lonely.

This same research also suggests that malnutrition amongst older people is increasing. It is estimated that 1.3 million people aged over 65 suffer from malnutrition, which is preventable most of the time.

Casserole Club is calling on people across Barnet to pledge to share a home-cooked meal with an older neighbour this Christmas.

Matt Skinner, project leader for the club, said: “Casserole Club is part of the solution to this problem, which is why we’re asking people in Barnet to sign up and help an older neighbour in need this Christmas.

"Together, Boxing Day can become a day where thousands of older people can get a visit from their neighbour with a plate of good home cooked food.”

To get involved visit www.casseroleclub.com/christmas