With all the merriment that Christmas encourages, it’s easy to forget that this time of the year can be extremely lonely for elderly people.

Age UK estimate that nearly a million older people feel lonelier at Christmas – many are widowed and younger relatives don’t always have time to visit and spend time.

This is one of the reasons why the social events that Barnet Homes’ Sheltered Housing Team arrange throughout the year, prove to be so important for many older people in the community.

The Sheltered Housing Christmas Party is a particular favourite, as it provides social interaction, entertainment and a visit from The Mayor of Barnet.

The Mayor of Barnet, Brian Salinger, attended with his wife Kate and joined in with the festivities with much enthusiasm. Sheltered Housing residents were thrilled to have the Mayor in such close proximity, which meant he wasn’t far from the dance-floor for very long.

Excellent live music was provided by Franz Black from The Mickie Driver Variety Collection, who cranked out party classics such as Arrow’s Hot, hot hot.

Our contractors Mears supported the event with a stunning luxury hamper, which was the first prize in a very lively raffle.