Reflecting on a Wonderful Christmas at Age UK East London

As we come to the close of another year, we at Age UK East London are filled with gratitude for the incredible moments we’ve shared with our clients, colleagues, and friends over the festive season. From joyous events to heartwarming acts of generosity, this Christmas has been truly memorable across Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets. 

A special concert for carers in Newham

We were delighted to host a beautiful event for Newham Carers Community, featuring an enchanting violin concert by the talented British violinist Callum Smart. The music filled the room with warmth and joy, creating a magical moment for everyone who attended. 

Celebrations at Merchant Street and Century Court

A huge thank you to Compare the Market for funding the celebrations, serving food and putting on quizzes and carol singing at  our new activity centre, The Merchant Street Hub, in Tower Hamlets and Century Court supported housing. The parties were a wonderful success, enjoyed by dozens of older people. 

Delivering Joy

Both the Newham Carers event and the Merchant Street Christmas party featured gifts generously donated through the Dunelm Delivering Joy campaign. A heartfelt thank you to the team at Dunelm and Age UK National for coordinating.

We’re also immensely grateful to Compare the Market who gave gifts to our clients at Merchant Street Hub and Century Court, and East End Community Foundation who gave gifts for older people through our Home and Settle service who are in hospital or recently discharged from hospital.  

And special thanks to Oaklands School, Bethnal Green and zeroheight for making Christmas cards that have been shared with older people in our Home and Settle service —your kindness made the season brighter for so many. 

Party in the City 

A big thank you to RenaissanceRE for funding the party for our City of London clients. Your contribution helped create a memorable event, and we extend our gratitude to the team who organised this special gathering. 

Carol Service at St. Paul's Cathedral

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a touch of tradition. We were thrilled to take some of our volunteers and friends along to the Age UK Love Christmas carol concert at St Paul’s Cathedral, a truly awe-inspiring experience that brought us all together in the spirit of the season. 

Fun & Festivities at the Marie Lloyd Centre

The No Frills Christmas Party at the Marie Lloyd Centre on Friday, December 20th, was a true highlight of the season. The fantastic team from No Frills had everyone laughing, dancing, and having a wonderful time. A big thank you to the Marie Lloyd Centre team for transforming the space into such a festive haven and to No Frills for creating such a joyful atmosphere. 

This year has also seen us settle into the Marie Lloyd Centre, and it’s been a pleasure to collaborate with our partner organisations there. We wish them all happy holidays and look forward to continued collaboration in the new year. 

A Christmas Lunch For All 

As we reflect on the generosity of the season, we are especially excited about the pay-what-you-can Christmas lunch at the Marie Lloyd Centre on Monday, December 23rd. With food donated by the Felix Project and prepared by the Holly Street Luncheon Club, this event is open to everyone, particularly those who may be struggling during the Christmas period. Huge thanks to Nerine and the team for making this happen! 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 

As 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank every client, colleague, partner, and friend who has been part of our journey this year. Your support, generosity, and care make everything we do possible. 

From all of us at Age UK East London, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful, happy new year. Here’s to a wonderful 2025!