CARING HANDS LUNCHEON CLUB

Overview
The Luncheon Club is attended by, older vulnerable people, who mainly, but not exclusively, reside in the Ouseburn Ward of Newcastle. The Luncheon Club is now held in Christ Church Hall, which is fully accessible for people with physical impairments.

This service has been provided since Caring Hands Charity was first formed and has been popular for over 13 years now. The aim of the lunch club is partly to provide a well-balanced two-course meal but additionally to tackle isolation amongst vulnerable members of the community. We hope to integrate people, create new friendships, update residents on local news, listen to their needs, offer entertainment and generally support the well being of members.

Particulars
The club is currently held on a Tuesday between the hours of 11.30am and 3.00pm. Ma Ma's, a small local firm, in Shieldfield, provides a nourishing two-course meal for £2.50 (no profit is secured from this charge). Meals are ordered in advance and the members are often consulted on their preferred choices. Members are requested to inform the Caring Hands Office at least 48 hours prior to absence whenever possible, either by calling the Caring Hands Shop on 0191 261 5234 themselves or by asking a friend or relative to inform us.

Caring Hands can provide transport, we use the Sandyford Community Minibus and so 50p is requested from travellers to help with the cost of hire. The 50p charge is based on pick-ups in the Ouseburn Ward only, we can often arrange for transport from the East of the Ward but charges will be increased accordingly. At least one volunteer escort is available to support people on and off the minibus, the minibus also has wheelchair space and lowerable suspension for easy access.

Volunteers
Volunteers support the needs of members attending the Luncheon Club, they are involved in all aspects of development and management of the club and we appreciate all their hard work. All volunteers are expected to work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the club, their usual duties will include serving the meals, clearing tables, providing beverages, washing and drying used crockery and utensils etc.

Additional costs
There is a subscription charge of 50p per week, which along with proceeds from the raffles and bingo held at the club go towards the Luncheon Club Funds. The members discuss what the funds will be used for and Caring Hands Office will help with booking any events on behalf of the members. .

Entertainment
Members are very keen on a few games of bingo each week, this is usually a cash bingo although prize bingo is provided occasionally, the amount you win depends on the tickets sold. We can provide LARGE print bingo sheets if required.
A weekly quiz gets all the members involved and is a good conversation starter, winning the quiz means a free lunch so it’s worth taking part.
Lottery bonus ball numbers cost 50p per square and if the numbers are all sold you could win around £17.00.
Dominoes and cards are supplied for any member wishing to make use of them and there’s always background music to enjoy.

Of course it’s your choice, if you want to pay for additional extras then that’s fine, if not, then that’s fine too.

Speakers and entertainers are asked to attend the club for the benefit of the clients or for special occasions such as Christmas

Referral forms can be obtained by telephoning the caring Hands office on 0191 261 5234 or by clicking on the referral form link below.

Further Information
Further information can be obtained by completing a Lunch Club Referral/Application Form or General Enquiry Form using the links. We’d be happy to speak with you in person at Caring Hands Office or telephone 0191 261 5234 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 10.00am and 3.30pm.