Together at the Table: Fighting Loneliness One Meal at a Time

This Christmas, our church community opened its doors and hearts to those spending the festive season on their own to make sure no one eats alone. Our in-house café, Common Ground, became a place of warmth, laughter, and meaningful connection as 77 people joined us for a shared meal.

The beginning of a lovely night at No One Eats Alone (December, 2025)

“The aim was of course initially to feed everyone a warm meal; however, there was so much more going on here. People embraced each other, talked at length, listened to each other and shared their stories. They not only enjoyed the warm space, but the warm welcome, the good company and healthy discussions. They made good connections to our other services and to each other.”
(Sandy and Sarah from Common Ground)

While Christmas is often associated with joy and togetherness, for many it can highlight the absence of meaningful connection. Across the North East of England, loneliness remains a significant challenge. Around 27% of adults in the region report feeling lonely some, most, or all of the time - a higher proportion than in many other parts of the country. Older adults, in particular, are statistically more likely to experience loneliness compared with those living in the South of England.

Research from Age UK North Tyneside suggests that tens of thousands of older people in the North East feel lonely over the festive period, with many saying Christmas can be an especially difficult time.

However, loneliness is not limited to one age group. People can find themselves isolated for many reasons — moving to a new area, bereavement, ill health, or being on the margins of society.

Loneliness can make people feel invisible, but community has the power to restore hope. When we choose hospitality, attentiveness, and compassion, small acts of welcome can become places of healing.

That is why initiatives like No One Eats Alone matter so deeply to us at Redcar Baptist Church. They are more than a meal — they are an expression of welcome. By gathering people from different backgrounds and life experiences around the same table, we create space for connection, dignity, and belonging. Sometimes it is the simplest things — a shared meal, an unhurried conversation — that remind someone they are seen and valued.

“It was very well organised and I felt welcome, especially when I was ushered to a table and introduced to two new people, who I enjoyed chatting to. The meal was tasty with a choice of delicious desserts and hot drinks. Marvellous Christian Hospitality, Thank you.” 
(No One Eats Alone attendee)

Community also extends beyond Christmas Day. While events like this offer an important moment of connection, support continues throughout the year thanks to local organisations such as ourselves, Community Stepping Stones, Age UK, The Link Charitable Trust, Recovery Connections, and others across Redcar and the surrounding area. Through coffee mornings, peer support groups, hobby clubs, wellbeing sessions and social lunches, many are working faithfully to reduce isolation and strengthen community life.

As a church, we want to be a place where everyone belongs — whatever their age, background, or circumstances. If you feel lonely, there will always be a place for you at our table. You don’t need to have everything worked out. You are welcome, just as you are.

God of compassion and connection,

thank you for creating us for relationship and belonging.

Be close to those who feel lonely, unseen, or far from home.

Help us to be a community that reflects your love —

open-hearted, generous, and ready to welcome others in.

Teach us to make room at our tables and in our lives,

so that no one eats alone.

Amen.

Reflection question:

Who might God be inviting you to notice, welcome, or make space for — at your table, in your week, or in your everyday life?

With blessings,
RBC