A pop-up warm space designed to help tackle loneliness in the elderly launches at Sanderson Arcade in December.

Wrap and Chat will launch in Martino Lounge on Tuesday December 3rd giving guests the chance to enjoy a hot drink while they write Christmas cards, wrap presents and enjoy some festive activities.

Lottie Thompson, Centre Manager at Sanderson Arcade, said: “This is something we’ve wanted to offer for a long time at the Arcade. After hearing the news about the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, it was important to us that we could provide an opportunity for older people to meet, chat and take part in fun activities while being in a safe and warm environment.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Martino Lounge for providing space and Card Factory Morpeth for providing the wrapping paper for our visitors to use.”

Wrap and Chat sessions will take place on December 3rd, December 10th and December 17th from 2-4pm each day in Martino Lounge.

Visitors can of course stay on and enjoy food. Martino Lounge has a great Tapas Tuesday offer which offers diners three tapas dishes and a glass of wine for £13.25.

Lottie added: “We really hope this can become a regular fixture on our Christmas calendar and we hope people will meet old friends and establish new friendships.”

As well as Wrap and Chat session the Arcade is also happy to offer shopping assistance to anyone struggling to browse the shops this year. The Arcade Beadles are always on hand to help and assist wherever possible.

This year shoppers have even more options to choose from in Sanderson Arcade with Oliver Bonas, White Company, The Works, Weird Fish and Reiker Shoes spending their first Christmas at the centre.

Anyone interested in attending the events is asked to register their interest by calling Martino Lounge on 01670 293170 or by simply popping into the venue. 

To find out more about what’s happening at Sanderson Arcade over the festive period, visit their website www.sandersonarcade.co.uk