BLUEBIRD Care staff in Wellington have held a festive jumper day to raise funds to support the town’s Odette’s Tearoom, which is providing Christmas Day dinners for people who would otherwise be on their own.

Two of Bluebird’s staff, Steph Webber and Dinah Mason, decided it would be a worthy cause to support and persuaded their colleagues to take part.

They raised £136.13 from the jumper day and have now presented the money to Toby Brimacombe, who took over Odette’s in the summer when owner Nancy Powell-Brace, a former Wellington Deputy Mayor, stepped away from the business.

Steph Webber and Dinah Mason present their Christmas jumper day funds to Toby Brimacombe, of Odette's Tearoom.
Steph Webber (left) and Dinah Mason present their Christmas jumper day funds to Toby Brimacombe, of Odette's Tearoom. (Bluebird Care)

Ms Webber said: “Working in the community, we understand how people can become vulnerable very quickly.

“It is incredibly important for them not to feel alone, especially on Christmas Day.

“We feel that Odette’s Christmas campaign will be a vital part of really making somebody’s day very special, and we wanted to be a part of that and help in any way we could.”

Ms Mason said: “Working together with a business in our local community is a really special thing.

“We hope that by raising funds we can contribute to more people being able to attend Odette’s for Christmas and not spending the day alone.”

Bluebird Care plans to hold a series of fun days at work throughout next year to raise further funds towards Odette’s 2024 Christmas campaign.

An online appeal by Mr Brimacombe to raise funds towards the Christmas Day dinners in Odette’s has so far raised £300 of its £400 target.

Staff from Bluebird Care Wellington who took part in a Christmas jumper charity day.
Staff from Bluebird Care Wellington who took part in a Christmas jumper charity day. (Bluebird Care)

Mr Brimacombe said there was no need for anybody to be ‘lonesome this Christmas’ because they could visit Odette’s for a three-course dinner for free.

He said people could either attend personally or refer a friend or neighbour, but needed to call 01823 667919 to book a place because there was a limited number of places available.

Mr Brimacombe said: “Join us and be surrounded by friends new and old. All we ask is for donations on leaving.”

Anybody who wants to support Odette’s ‘Together for Christmas’ appeal on Gofundme can find the page here.

Churches Together in Wellington is also offering free Christmas Day dinners for people who face being alone over the festive season this year.

Places for the dinner in the United Reformed Church Hall, in Mantle Street, are also limited and need to be booked by calling 01823 669043 or emailing [email protected].

The organisers suggest a £5 donation if people can afford it.