Members of a voluntary group have arranged a community event for people who face spending Christmas Day alone.

The event, organised by volunteers at the Hengoed Happiness and Wellbeing Group, will take place at Fleur de Lis Community Centre on December 25.

The event will run from 11am to 5pm.

The Hengoed Happiness and Wellbeing Group was set up in February 2018 and aims to improve mental wellbeing.

It has more than 600 members across Caerphilly County Borough and organises a variety of community social events, such as outdoor walking groups, as well as virtual coffee mornings and quizzes.

Claire Bellavia, a founding member of the group, said: “This is a lovely way to let people know that they are thought about and for them to have a friendly and welcoming place to spend Christmas day in the company of others.”

Fellow-founding member Melaney Jones said: “The group offers ways for people to socialise, make friends and learn different strategies to make life more enjoyable’.

“Through our ethos, which embraces the research-evidenced science of positive psychology, we know that by being kind and giving we can make a significant boost to happiness and feelings of wellbeing for us and others – which is why the Company4Christmas event is perfect.”

The group has appealed to district nurses, social workers, council workers and the wider community to get in touch and nominate people they feel would benefit from attending the Christmas Day event.

Volunteers have also appealed for small gifts donations for the attendees. They have asked for unopened and in-date food, as well as other gifts in their original packaging. Volunteers will then wrap the gifts ready for attendees.

To nominate someone or to donate a gift, contact company4christmas@gmail.com or contact Claire Bellavia on 07811 396274.