Free Christmas season meals across our region are now on – please feel free to attend them and share this post to help us spread the word! You never know who may benefit.
Whether you are a veteran in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham/the Solent area, a family member to one, or just a local resident in need of some free festive cheer, local councils have compiled their own lists of resources for you to explore. We at Veterans Outreach Support have listed some that you may be interested in attending.
Read on for a round-up of free holiday season meals and scroll to the bottom for links to relevant council lists as well:
BEFORE CHRISTMAS
*The Lifehouse, Harold Road (Corner of Albert Road), Southsea, PO4 0JW.
– Wednesday 4th Dec – Breakfast/Brunch 9-11AM
– Wednesday 11th Dec – Breakfast/Brunch 9-11AM
– Thursday 12th Dec – Christmas dinner and carols 6-8.30PM
– Wednesday 19th Dec – Fire service Christmas Dinner 6-8PM
Buckland Soup Kitchen, 174 Kingston Road, PO2 7LP (Queens Road entrance)
– Please check their Facebook page for info here.
Aspire Ryde, Trinity Buildings, Dover St, Ryde PO33 2BN
*- Tues 17, Wed 18, Thurs 19 December – COMMUNITY LUNCHES 12.00-1.30PM.
– Frozen Christmas Eve Meals : Please call the Aspire Living Well team on: 01983 240732 or Email reception@lweh.org.uk to order. to arrange for a frozen meal to be delivered on Christmas Eve.
CHRISTMAS DAY MEALS
The Veteran, 15 Esplanade, Ryde, PO33 2DZ
– *Open from 11AM-8PM Christmas Day. Entertainment and FREE CHRISTMAS BUFFET after 3PM.
The Lifehouse, Harold Road (Corner of Albert Road), Southsea, PO4 0JW.
*- Monday 25th December – BREAKFAST 9-11AM, as well as a BUFFET LUNCH 12PM followed by a film!
Men Only IOW, 134 High Street, Ryde PO33 2RJ.
*Open on Christmas Day between 1000 – 1400hrs – anyone welcome. Lunch will be served at 1200hrs. Donations welcome. Booking not necessary but would be helpful. Pop in to book a space, or call (01983) 722737 for more info.
Drayton Centre, 238 Havant Road, Drayton, PO6 1PA. *Please note: Spaces are very limited*
*If you reside in the Drayton and Cosham area: Christmas Dinner followed by entertainment, 1200 -1600hrs. A £10 deposit is asked for, which will be refunded when you attend. Transport to the venue can be arranged free of charge by ringing 023 9237 7644 or 07713 637558.
Isle of Wight Salvation Army, Pyle Street, Newport, PO30 1UJ
If you’d like information about their Christmas offering then please visit in person to collect and complete a Christmas Meal Request form. There will be welcome mine pies and hot drinks on arrival from 11.30am on Christmas Day – Lunch ends around 2.30pm.
Due to capacity, Isle of Wight Salvation Army will not be able to accept walk-ins on Christmas Day, so please book visit them early to complete a request from, as spaces are very limited.
AFTER CHRISTMAS
Festive Heat Hub at Newport Congregational Church, 98 Pyle Street, Newport PO30 1UH.
*Open 26 December – 3rd January, from 1000 – 1600hrs. Friendship, warmth, free meals, snacks, activities, movies and sport activities!
The Lifehouse, Harold Road (Corner of Albert Road), Southsea, PO4 0JW.
*- Thursday 26th December – Boxing Day Dinner 6-8PM
– Wednesday 1st Jan 2025 – Breakfast / Brunch 9-11AM
– Thursday 2nd Jan 2025 – Dinner 6-8PM
Please visit their website and view their seasonal timetable for more Brunch, Lunch and Dinners information here.
Buckland Soup Kitchen, 174 Kingston Road, PO2 7LP (Queens Road entrance)
– Please check their Facebook page for info here.
OTHER
Asda Winter Warmer Offer over 60s
Asda have brought back its popular café ‘winter warmer’ £1 meal deal to support the over 60’s this winter as they continue to face increased financial pressures during the colder winter months.
From 1st November until the end of February, Asda are offering people aged 60 and over the chance to enjoy soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of Asda’s 205 cafes.
More information on their website.
You can find full lists of further hot meal, community pantry and larder resources available below.
If you’re a local veteran from the UK Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy (from any time of service) or a partner/carer to one, and you find yourself struggling with your mental health or welfare, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for support. Our main office in the Royal Maritime Hotel will be closed from Monday 23rd until Monday 6th of January due to the closure of the Hotel over this period.
VOS is immensely grateful for the support and funding we receive from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.
