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 20th December – BRUNCH 9-11AM
– Thursday 21st December – DINNER 6-8PM
Buckland Soup Kitchen, 174 Kingston Road, PO2 7LP (Queens Road entrance)
– Wednesday 20th December – HOT DRINKS 5-7PM, HOT TAKEAWAY MEALS 6-7PM
Aspire Ryde, Trinity Buildings, Dover St, Ryde PO33 2BN
– Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 December – COMMUNITY LUNCHES 11.30AM-1.30PM.
– Christmas Hamper delivery: Email reception@lweh.org.uk to order.
– Frozen meals: Email reception@lweh.org.uk to order.
CHRISTMAS DAY MEALS
The Veteran, 15 Esplanade, Ryde, PO33 2DZ
– Open from 11AM-10.30PM 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!
Billy’s Burger Van on Commercial Road, Portsmouth (by the Fountain)
– All are welcome to come and have a free breakfast and a drink between 8-11AM on 25th December.
Men Only IOW, 134 High Street, Ryde PO33 2RJ.
– Open on Christmas Day between 10AM-4PM for men and their families. Lunch will be served 12pm to 2pm, donations welcome. Booking not necessary but would be helpful.
Drayton Centre, 238 Havant Road, Drayton, PO6 1PA.
– Christmas Dinner followed by entertainment, 12-4PM. 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.
– Christmas Day Dinner, free for anyone on their own this Christmas Day. Doors open 11AM, traditional Christmas lunch served at 1PM, festivities continue until 3PM.
If you’d like to come along, ring 07583 257515 between 12-6PM or email IOWSA.ChristmasCampaign@gmail.com.
AFTER CHRISTMAS
Festive Heat Hub at Newport Congregational Church, 98 Pyle Street, Newport PO30 1UH.
– Open 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 December from 10AM-4PM. Friendship, warmth and a hot meal every day. Festive Quiz, 1pm on 27 December 2023!
The Lifehouse, Harold Road (Corner of Albert Road), Southsea, PO4 0JW.
– Wednesday 27th September – BRUNCH 9-11AM
– Thursday 28th December – DINNER 6-8PM
– Wednesday 3rd January – BRUNCH 9-11AM
– Thursday 4th January – DINNER 6-8PM
Buckland Soup Kitchen, 174 Kingston Road, PO2 7LP (Queens Road entrance).
– Wednesday 27 December and 3 January – HOT DRINKS 5-7PM and HOT TAKEAWAY MEALS 6-7PM.
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 Saturday 23rd until Thursday 4th 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.
