FRENCH restaurant Bistrot Pierre has recently offered free meals to Weston's pensioners as part of a charitable initiative for Age UK Somerset. 

The initiative was held in the lead-up to Christmas, and saw the eatery donate a free meal to a resident, carer or charity-user for every Sunday Christmas party booking of six people or more – which resulted in 30 free lunches, which were enjoyed on January 31.  

It was hoped that this would increase awareness around Age UK Somerset, which ensures that older people enjoy their later years and offers a wide range of services to combat loneliness across the region.

This includes befriending services which ensures that people aren't left isolated.

Other services include social activities and more, all of which are designed so that older people can enjoy all that life has to offer.

Kate Barrington from the charity says: “Bistrot Pierre’s kind donation of delicious lunches was generous in itself, but giving this opportunity for Age UK Somerset to invite a group of 30 local older people to come out for a well-deserved treat, resulted in friendship, fun, laughter and a sense of belonging, which was priceless.

"Everyone had a lovely time and the memory of the lunch will stay with the participants for a long time.”

Age UK Somerset is one of 17 local charities that Bistrot Pierre has partnered with nationally in this initiative.

The charities were chosen for their support of older people in their communities, from befriending schemes and dementia-focused musical programmes to housing and sight assistance.  

Pradeep Bhalla, the general manager of Bistrot Pierre Weston-super-Mare, says: “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Bistrot Pierre.

“Our initiative has been designed to support those most in need in our local areas. January can be a challenging time of year for any resident, but for the most vulnerable amongst us, there has never been more need for communities to open their doors and welcome our residents in. 

“We really enjoyed welcoming each and every guest from Age UK Somerset for a much-needed treat, a warm meal and an opportunity to create lasting memories.”

For more information on Bistrot Pierre, visit the company's website.

To learn more about Age UK Somerset, visit the charity's website.