A COMMUNITY group is being praised for its efforts to combat loneliness and isolation.
Eat@TheHeath, based at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn, is an award-winning group supporting residents aged 50 and over.
The group was launched in 2021, originally as a one-off event, but quickly became a regular source of social connection for the elderly and vulnerable.
It now welcomes 70 to 100 people each week and more than 150 to its monthly luncheons.
A recent visit by High Sheriff of Cheshire Lynn Pegler brought further attention to its impact.
Ms Pegler said: "It was a delight to chat to everyone and join in with the enthusiastic dancing and singing after lunch.
"The weekly Eat@TheHeath meet-up is a wonderful way for elderly people to keep connected and bring the wider community into the heart of the Heath Business Park.
"All credit to The Heath’s owner John Lewis and his enthusiastic staff and volunteers for making an amazing difference to the quality of life for so many people.
"Looking at the sea of happy, smiling faces, the event is clearly a much-loved weekly highlight for everyone who attends."
Eat@TheHeath was founded by SOG Ltd staff, volunteers and Runcorn Police Community Support Officers, following the vision of SOG owner John Lewis MBE to make The Heath’s facilities more accessible to the community.
Mr Lewis said: "Eat@TheHeath is simply an initiative way to combat loneliness where elderly people can meet with each other and be entertained in a safe environment.
"Our programme is important by getting people out of the home and helping to improve their mental health."
The club is managed by Eileen Miller, site charter and community manager at The Heath, with the support of volunteers.
Activities include games, community forums, music sessions and outings.
The group also runs a community garden and organises special events such as Christmas celebrations and day trips.
Ms Miller said: "Our club is a platform where local people who feel lonely or isolated can meet up on a weekly basis for a cup of tea and a chat, play bingo and attend our music sessions, community forums and monthly luncheons.
"Our gatherings are supported by Police Community Support Officers who have an office here at The Heath.
"Serious issues such as security in the home and how to avoid scams are discussed alongside all the entertainment activities that we stage for members."
Eat@TheHeath recently received the Commitment to the Community award at the Halton Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Last year, in recognition of their voluntary efforts, Ms Miller and several volunteers were invited to a Buckingham Palace summer garden party hosted by the King and Queen.
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