A NEW LUNCH club to help those experiencing loneliness has launched in Southampton.

The new Communicare lunch club in Harefield in Southampton officially held their first introductory meeting on November 29 at Meon Court sheltered housing off Cheriton Avenue.

The club will be held on the last Thursday of ever month from 11.30am until 2pm starting in January.

Communicare are a city wide charity who aim to eradicate loneliness through befriending.

Annie Clewlow the manager of Communicare said: “Our lunch club is staffed by our committed, kind-hearted Communiteers, who act as good neighbours, generously providing a natter, cuppa, lunch and a game of Scrabble or similar social activities, as well as other practical and emotional support.

“We’re keen for more diners who would like to join us in January, when we kick off the club in earnest, and are, also, always happy to hear from anyone who could help out, especially with acting as drivers to bring people to the club if they do not have their own car or are unable to get to Meon Court using public transport.”

Annie added: "The lunch club is open to anyone who would like to join us and costs £4 per person for a main course, dessert and tea or coffee.

" As well as the food, there’s a chance to chat and take part in afternoon activities."

Communiteer, John Ansell, who is set to cook and serve the lunches at the new club said that the introductory lunch was "a super day and a great success."

He added: "I think lunch clubs are really important as they help combat loneliness and bring people from the community together."

The news of the lunch club comes after the charity's Tree of Light switch on took place in Woolston on Saturday.

As part of the campaign residents sponsored lights for a lost loved one.

The money raised will help Communicare provide their services in the city.

To dontate to the charity or to become a volunteer please call 023 8021 6022, visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.

To get involved in the tree of light campaign visit www.facebook.com/donate/1015629951951334/ or call 02380216016.