Royal Voluntary Service
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Money raised in donations over the festive period meant that we were able to host special events for people who may have otherwise spent the entire Christmas period alone.

Thank you to all who donated – you made a real difference to the lives of so many people over the festive period and beyond. Our lunch and social clubs are a lifeline to so many people, and they operate all year round to support people like Lily.

“I can’t leave my house alone so am stuck at home five days a week. If I didn’t have the Royal Voluntary Service centre to come to on a Wednesday and Friday, I may as well give up and die.” – Lily.

"I’m 89 years old and I’m completely immobile without my wheelchair."

"Over the last few years, I’ve had a stroke, lost a kidney, and been diagnosed with diabetes. Being housebound and confined to my wheelchair, I’ve come to live a relatively isolated life, and I just don’t get a great deal of opportunity for company.

"I have carers that come into my home 4 times a day, and they do what they need to do, but they’re just too busy to stop and chat as they have to get on and help other people. I look forward to Wednesday and Friday every week, as those are the days when I get taken to the Royal Voluntary Service centre. It’s the only chance I get to spend time with other people. I’ve been coming for so many years and I absolutely love it."  - Lily

Older people enjoying a festive spread at the Royal Voluntary Service Cornhill Centre in Banbury

"I didn’t get to leave my home at all."

"Every week I get plenty cups of tea and nice hot snacks, and we do a quiz and even an exercise class that I can take part in from my wheelchair! Someone comes in with a big speaker and plays music and shows us all what to do and we copy them. It’s a lovely bit of fun.

"During Covid when the centre was closed, I didn’t get to leave my home at all. I didn’t see anyone for months and months. There were days where all I did was cry. I don’t know what I’d do if the centre closed or if I ever had to stop coming again." - Lily

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Enjoying Christmas festivities at a Royal Voluntary Service community centre

Thanks once again for your kind and generous support

Keep an eye out for Our Festive Spread 2025, where our plans are to host even more festive events and spread cheer to even more people in need!