A FESTIVE afternoon was held for care home residents in the North West to bring people together this Christmas.

The event was part of Athena Healthcare Group's Community Activity Hub which they launched in March this year with the hope of bringing care homes and the community together in order to help the elderly age 'well' in care homes. 

Taking place at the Royal Clifton Spa Hotel in Southport, pensioners were offered Christmas lunch with all the trimmings plus plenty of entertainment.

Mayor of Sefton Cllr Dave Robinson and his wife Wendy Robinson enjoyed the afternoon and commented how lovely to see elderly people sitting down having a lovely meal among friends.

Next year Athena Healthcare Group will open two new purpose built homes in New Brighton and are set to welcome the Wirral branch of their community hub in the summer.

Talking about the opening and future events group events co-ordinator Lesley Malone told the Globe: "This is great news for care homes in New Brighton and across Wirral.

"If any care home activity co-ordinators in New Brighton would like to contact me then I would love to have a chat and will meet up with them early Spring.

"Our initiative 'Community monthly Activity Hub' allows any North West care home co-ordinators and residents to come along, meet up and make new friends at lovely restaurants for afternoon teas and dining out at lovely hotels like the Hilton hotel in Liverpool, Ramada Plaza and Royal Clifton, both in southport.

"These businesses supporting the hub are making a huge difference for elderly people who have made that choice to live in a caring home or for people who are living with dementia.

"The Hub also offers friendship for anyone living on their own, feeling lonely and isolated outside a care home."

To get involved with the Athena Healthcare Group community activity hub call events ambassador Lesley Malone on 0170 477 1111 or 0753 8243 348.