The Barnet Homes Sheltered Housing Team topped off a great year of events with a Christmas party on 9 December which they opened not only to its own residents, but to the community-at-large.

The Sheltered Housing Team has held several events throughout the year helping to prevent loneliness and social isolation in older people in our community.

As with the tea dances and summer barbeques, the Sheltered Housing Christmas party is the perfect time for older people from different organisations including Finchley charities, Holmefield and Your Choice Barnet’s CommunitySpace to socialise, meet new people and spread the festive spirit.

There was live music, refreshments and all the usual festive trimmings. Special guests included His Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Hugh Rayner, who attended with his wife, the Mayoress Mrs Susan Rayner. The Mayor and his wife certainly got into the swing of things, by chatting at length with residents and enjoying a dance or two. Terry Rogers, Chair of the Board for Barnet Group also attended and mingled with guests speaking to them individually and making them feel welcome.

Marcie Thomas, Community Champion from Tesco, attended to represent the leading supermarket chain, which helped fund the bash and provide raffle prizes for residents.

Troy Henshall, Deputy Chief Executive of The Barnet Group, said: “We were delighted to organise our second Sheltered Housing Christmas Party with help from Tesco’s. We organise a number of events and activities throughout the year across all our services to ensure our residents and older residents across the borough have the opportunity to interact and ensure they do not feel isolated and alone, which at Christmas is a particular issue. We are delighted that this year’s party was so successful and look forward to more success in the years to come.”