A COMMUNITY dinner is once again being staged in Keighley for people facing Christmas Day on their own.

Missing Peace Wellbeing + Support is providing a three-course meal, and entertainment, at Central Hall, Alice Street, between 11am-2pm on Christmas Day.

The organisation's co-founders, Nick Smith and Emma Gibson, together with volunteers, are staging the event – known as Christmas Yay! – following the success of a similar initiative in previous years.

Nick says: "Christmas can be a really tough time for people, especially if they are on their own.

"Christmastime doesn’t have to be about family, money or celebrations, it can simply be about community, support and togetherness.

"We just want to bring a bit of joy into people's lives.

"For the fourth year running we have been able to increase the spaces offered, so it’s going to be even bigger and support more people this year."

Emma says the backing received from the community for the initiative has been "amazing".

She said: "We have run the community Christmas meal for the last four years, and we love doing it.

"The response we get every year from the community is amazing.

"Without that backing, the event wouldn’t be happening. This year the community has helped us raise most of the funds that are needed, we have had support from local businesses such as Blue Ginger, Three Little Birds bakery and Moonstone and Magic – which are all donating items – and Big Local Keighley has given us a grant towards the costs."

Limited places are available at the event.

Anyone who faces Christmas Day on their own and would like to attend – or knows of someone – should contact Emma or Nick on 07711 271596 or missingpeacews@gmail.com, or use the contact form on the website at missingpeace.org.uk

Also, an appeal has been made to help provide attendees with gift bags.

Anybody able to donate items such as toiletries, candles, socks, chocolates or biscuits is asked to get in touch.

Missing Peace Wellbeing + Support was set up in 2017.

The community organisation – which is based in Keighley – offers mental health and wellbeing support, specialising in peer help.

It runs several peer support and activity groups as well as one-to-one sessions and online services, and provides motivational speaking, a wellness recovery action plan and mental health and suicide 'first aid'.

Yoga, meditation and Reiki are also on offer.