Why it matters: ActivLives lunch club at St Mary at Stoke Church Hall has just celebrated 18 years of fighting isolation and loneliness among older residents in Ipswich, demonstrating how consistent community action can make a lasting difference.
The journey: The lunch club began in November 2007 as part of the Town & Bridge Project, which later became ActivLives, established in partnership with St Mary at Stoke Church. Anita Bimpson, a church member, volunteered alongside ActivLives chief executive Julie Stokes to establish the initiative.
From those humble beginnings with eight members, the club now caters for up to 30 people every week, serving two-course hot meals and creating what members describe as a family atmosphere.
What they're saying: "I've seen people's lives changed as they come, as they've grown and as they made friends," said Anita Bimpson, who has now retired from volunteering but remains a member. "Our lunch club is very much like a family. If somebody is not well, there are always people who are concerned."
Linda West, who now heads the team of seven volunteers, said: "I really enjoy my time with ActivLives and look forward to every Tuesday leading a friendly team of volunteers. We are all there for each other. It is lovely to see the members and volunteers together."
By the numbers: Over the past year, ActivLives has delivered 43 lunch club sessions with 48 people registered and 920 attendances, highlighting the consistent demand for this community service.
The bottom line: What began as a small church partnership has grown into a vital community lifeline, proving that regular hot meals and genuine friendship can transform the lives of older adults facing isolation in Ipswich.
To find out more about supporting or joining the lunch club, contact ActivLives on 01473 345350.
