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Support over the festive period


lonely christmas


The festive period can affect our mental health in lots of different ways. This could be if Christmas is part of your life, or if it's happening around you. It's a time of year that often puts extra pressure on us.
To find the right support, please see the information below.

 

Festive meals and food services

Food for thought, Maidstone

Food for Thought, a community food share scheme, is local to Maidstone and helps the homeless and those that are struggling to find work or are from low income families.

They will be hosting a Christmas meal at Maidstone Day Centre. Ready cooked meals will be provided by the Hengist Restaurant in Aylsford that is planning to deliver them to the centre on December 23. You can find out more by phoning them at 01622 674064.

St Augustine's Catholic Church, Tunbridge Wells

This church in Tunbridge Wells will be serving up Christmas Dinner for the homeless and people in need in the community. You can find out more by contacting the office 01892 522525 or emailing them at office@st-augustine.co.uk.

Ovlivo, Margate

"We invite everyone homeless, elderly, lonely or in need on the 25th of December to a free christmas lunch with free food and drink at Olivo Margate, the little Italian restaurant, 20 Market Place, Margate Old Town".
Lunch is going to be served between noon and 4pm and includes soup, pizza and cake. Dog owners will be able to bring their dogs, and everyone from the town is invited to give out an invitation to somebody in need.

For more information and booking you can contact the restaurant at 07462 917242.

Cliftonville Community Centre, Thanet

Lunch and Christmas cheer are being offered as part of the 'Open Christmas' scheme by Thanet Churches. Food and company will be offered to those who otherwise cannot celebrate the holiday.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day celebrations will be held between 11am and 1.30pm and 1pm and 4pm. The charity will also be offering a big festive meal on Thursday, December 27 between midday and 2pm.

For any further information about the event you can contact the organisers at 01843 221913 or at info@openchristmasthanet.co.uk.

Porchlight, Canterbury

Porchlight is the leading homeless charity in Kent. This year, the charity will be holding a cookery lesson so residents can prepare their own Christmas meal. Porchlight will be providing its residents with Christmas dinner and a shelter for the holiday as well as psychological support. Call 01227 760078 or visit Porchlight.

Homelessness

Visit our page on homelessness. Home is a human right. Here at Shelter, It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. Visit Shelter


Crisis is the UK national charity for people experiencing homelessness.
Visit Crisis

The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church. Our mission is based on our faith in Jesus Christ who wants everyone to experience life in all its fullness.
VIsit Salvation Army

Tackling Loneliness

There are many people that are alone over the festive period. There are also many that feel alone and need someone to talk to.

Go to the befriending page on Kent.gov.uk for more information.
Go to our Connect to support page

Age Uk
It's normal to feel lonely occasionally. But sometimes, loneliness can start to define our lives and have a significant impact on our well being – especially as we get older. Our information and advice can help if you or someone you know is feeling lonely. Loneliness in older people | Age UK

Involve Kent
We are a community-led charity committed to providing holistic health and well being support to people of all ages and circumstances, working alongside our partners.
Drop us an email at hello@involvekent.org.uk.
Call us on 03000 810 005 or visit our website Involve Kent and make a referral.

Mental Health

Money worries and debt

Here are some resources for debt support in Kent:

Alcohol and drug support

Last updated: 10/12/2025