Pub launches winter social club for pensioners

A pub has launched a social club for pensioners in light of the government's changes to winter fuel payments (WFP).

The White Horse, in Quorn, Leicestershire, has long hosted an annual, free Christmas dinner for older people who live alone.

But this year, landlord David Keatley-Lill decided to extend the offer for pensioners every Wednesday, starting on 25 September.

He said: "Residents can come and be somewhere warm and socialise, and there will be food."

Mr Keatley-Lill, 47, opened the pub doors to the older community for a Christmas dinner ten years ago - inspired by his grandmother, who says she was living on her own.

More recently, he has been moved by the financial strain on some, so he decided to put on a weekly Wednesday event, which would include a food bank, help with applications, and support in the home.

He said: "At this time of year, it's quite worrying for people, especially when they live alone.

"The price of heating and food has increased, and we want to be there for people and give them support."

It follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves's announcement in July that the WFP would only be made to those on low incomes who received certain benefits, instead of all pensioners in England and Wales.

Earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer said the decision was necessary to stabilise the economy, and that the government was putting "mitigations in place".

In a social media post sharing its plan, The White Horse said the free service, which would run "indefinitely", came in light of the government's decision.

"We know of many elderly people who are already dreading this winter, with the combined recent rise of utility bills and cost of living crisis," the post read.

The Wednesday Winter Club will continue each Wednesday from 25 September and will offer free soup and tea or coffee.

Volunteers will also help attendees with pensioner entitlements advice and with problems at home, The White Horse added.

The pub asked anyone who felt they could help with the club to get in touch.

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