Supporting Christmas celebrations across our communities

As a Community Gateway housing association, working with residents to make a real difference to their lives is very important to us. That is why we work closely with our community groups, especially at Christmas, to put on events that everyone can enjoy – whether that is through funding, hosting or just general support.  

Here is a round-up of just some of the projects that we supported this Christmas!

Christmas lunches were being held all across our Independent Living facilities, including at Combewood, Dale Court and Rutland Lodge! Here are the residents of Horwood Court enjoying their lunch:

On Saturday 7 December, around 200 children and their families attended a fabulous Christmas party organised by the Meriden Residents Association. As well as seeing Santa, the children enjoyed face painting, balloon sculptures and making Christmas decorations. Thank you to the Random Café for organising the location and to Wenzel’s for donating the refreshments.

Attendees of the Meriden Resident Association Coffee Morning were also treated to a Christmas dinner, free of charge, and one lucky person won a Christmas hamper!

Solo Stars is a group we created back in 2018 as a way for single parents to connect with each other, and for the families to have experiences that they may not have otherwise been able to do.

On Sunday 8 December, they group held their annual Christmas party at our Leavesden Green Community Hub. 86 attendees enjoyed seeing Santa and the Grinch, as well as a DJ, lots of food, and presents for all the kids.

The following week, the group also went to see Aladdin at the Watford Palace Theatre, which was loved by all. 

The Lighthouse Café is a joint project between All Saints Church Leavesden and Watford Community Housing, which was created as a way to build relationships within the local community. On 19 December they held their very popular annual carol service at our Leavesden Green Community Hub. There was carol singing and readings by members of the community, as well as free mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy.

Our free lunch club – Jimmy’s Jackets – offers a safe space for members of the local community to get out of the house, meet up with their friends and have a delicious jacket potato.

On 11 December, the residents were treated to an incredible Christmas dinner and beautiful, ambient saxophone music played by one of our repairs operatives.