It might be three months early, but a Tavistock charity has been amazed at the popularity of its Christmas lunch - so much so, that it staged a second.

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) organised a lunch just before Christmas which sold out fast, so they rallied round to offer a second which has also attracted big demand.

The TASS Christmas lunches and the charities other support services are valuable in reducing loneliness and isolation to those in older age and with reduced mobility and there is increased demand for the local charity.

Deb Morris, TASS manager said: “We are delighted that the people of Tavistock and the surrounding areas are keen to celebrate Christmas with TASS this year.

“When we launched our two-course Christmas lunch at the Anchorage Centre on December 11, tickets sold out quickly and we were overwhelmed by requests from disappointed people unable to book a place.”

Deb discussed what to do, to meet the demand with her team, and they all agreed the best solution was to fit a second festive lunch into their busy calendar of events.

So they quickly launched the second festive lunch which will also be in the Anchorage Centre, on the following week on the Tuesday and unsurprisingly, within four days, there were only three places left for lunch, with a second sell-out soon afterwards.

Deb added: “I could not believe we all but sold out so quickly. Team TASS are super excited for both the Christmas lunches and all the other festive activities they have planned throughout December for their clients and would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support to the charity.”

Mount Kelly College students will serve meals, helping the volunteers, while students will be playing live seasonal and sing music during one lunch.

Deb said: “Statistics and reports from councils, charities and other local professional services show that there is an increase in loneliness and social isolation in Tavistock and the broader West Devon area.

“At TASS, we have noticed a substantial increase in people attending our Anchorage Centre HQ in the last six to 12 months, which I believe is possibly because more people are becoming aware of the activities and services that we offer.”

Everything TASS provides is carefully designed to help combat loneliness and social isolation, promoting connections, friendships, encourage independence, whilst improving health and wellbeing.

“During the festive period, most media advertising heavily promotes large cheerful family gatherings, yet in reality, for many, especially for the elderly or those living with disabilities, the holiday season can actually intensify loneliness and isolation. In addition to the shorter days and worsening weather, Christmas can amplify memories of lost loved ones, better times, better health and so on.

“The TASS Christmas lunches and all our other clubs and activities are a powerful antidote to some of these feelings of solitude and seclusion giving participants a vital sense of belonging, purpose and self-worth,” said Deb.