Meals on Wheels Week returns 4th November to 8th November 2024. The award-winning national event, organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), raises awareness of and celebrates Meals on Wheels services across the country and the vital role they play in supporting older and vulnerable people living in our communities.
It is an initiative that brings together Health and Social Care sector, caterers, service providers, food suppliers, volunteers, carers, older people and public to raise awareness about the importance of meals delivered in the community – whether via Meals on Wheels services, day centres or lunch clubs for older people and those with vulnerabilities
Each day throughout the week there are activities planned to highlight some of the particular elements of Meals on Wheels:
Monday 4th November – Multi-Cultural Monday
The UK has a multi-cultural demographic for older and vulnerable people requiring the service. Multi-Cultural Monday is about recognising the diversity of the meals on wheels service, and how it connects and offers meals to cater for all.
Tuesday 5th November – Thank you Tuesday
Show your appreciation for everyone that contributes to Meals on Wheels services, whether that’s the team members making the meals, volunteers, drivers, carers, or those that work behind the scenes, today is the day to show our gratitude.
Wednesday 6th November – VIP on Wheels
There’s no better way to convey the value of our services, than seeing it in action and the impact it has on service users. VIP on Wheels is a fantastic opportunity to invite local MPs, VIPs and dignitaries to experience service delivery and celebrate your service and the immense value it adds to the lives of those receiving it.
Thursday 7th November – Connect Thursday
Not all vulnerable and older people have the luxury of leaving their homes, due to a host of reasons. Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, and offers these individuals connection with people, an opportunity for wellbeing checks and in some cases a smile and chat in person with another human. Join us in sharing your examples on how you connect with your service users.
Friday 8th November – Friday Friends
Highlight the importance of social eating and how it helps reduce loneliness and social isolation. Friday Friends will bring people in our communities together to share the joy of food and time. This could be at a lunch club, day centre, or a care home could invite the local community in for afternoon tea. And where this may not be possible, why not simply invite a neighbour for lunch? This small gesture is sure to have an immense impact
The week is also an ideal opportunity to spotlight the social contribution of Meals on Wheels services. Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent on our communities and Meals on Wheels, together with lunch clubs and day centres, play a critical role in reducing this.
Neel Radia, National Chair of the National Association of Care Catering and Lead for Meals on Wheels Week said, “Last year we released a report in partnership with Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), that showed vital Meals on Wheels services on the brink of collapse, with only 29% still in operation across the UK operated by Local Authorities, and fewer than 18% in England. Anecdotally, this situation has not improved.
Since the NACC started this campaign over 30 years ago, Meals on Wheels Week remains relevant. We are asking the public to support local meal services that helps address loneliness, social isolation, and safety in the community for older and vulnerable people.”
To find out more please visit: thenacc.co.uk/events/meals-on-wheels-week-2024
