Everything You Need to Know About Lunch Clubs for Over 65s

If you’re finding it difficult to meet new people or to find somewhere friendly to go for a few hours, you’re definitely not alone. Research shows that older people who live alone are more likely to feel lonely and disconnected from their community. You might have less regular contact with friends and family members, or you might just miss having company at mealtimes.

Teams and Bensham Community Care, a charity in Gateshead, has years of experience designing and running social groups for older people, and they’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference a simple shared meal can make. That’s why their lunch clubs for over 65s are so popular.

• But what are lunch clubs?

• Who do they benefit?

• And what actually goes on at them?

Here’s everything you need to know about lunch clubs, and how joining one could brighten your week.

What is a Lunch Club?

Freshly cooked, two course meals served at every group, and freshly baked goods to take home

Lunch clubs bring older people together to share a freshly cooked meal and good company in a welcoming environment. Some meet weekly, others more often, and many include games, entertainment, and activities too.

At our lunch clubs, the focus is on friendship, laughter, and delicious homemade food. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll always find a warm welcome, a good meal, and plenty of conversation.

What Happens at a Lunch Club?

To give you an idea of what happens at a typical lunch club, here’s how a usual day looks:

9:30am – Our minibus sets off to collect local members from their homes and bring them to our centre on Northumberland Street, Teams. Our transport service covers the local area of Teams, Dunston, Lobley Hill, Bensham, Saltwell and Central Gateshead, while those living further away often make their own way by car or public transport.

10:30am – Most people have arrived and settle in with a cuppa, biscuit, and a chat while catching up with friends. New members quickly feel at home and conversations start naturally over shared experiences, old workplaces, or familiar faces from the community.

11:30am – The popular daily quiz! General knowledge questions, a music quiz and a bit of friendly competition, and always a prize for the winner.

12:00pm – Lunch is served. Expect traditional favourites such as mince and dumplings or roast chicken with all the trimmings, followed by a pudding like apple crumble, homemade rice pudding or sponge and custard. If a regular can’t make it in, we’ll deliver their hot meal to their home so no one misses out.

12:30pm – 2pm – After lunch, everyone can join in with more activities, including a game of bingo!

2pm – The minibus heads back out, dropping everyone safely home.

Who Attends Lunch Clubs and Why?

People come to lunch clubs for lots of different reasons. Here are a few:

Bereavement – After losing a partner, many people find their social life changes dramatically. Lunch clubs offer gentle companionship and understanding in a friendly space, helping people to rebuild social connections.

Health Conditions – As we get older, mobility or confidence can make going out harder. Lunch clubs, especially those with door-to-door transport, make it much easier to get out and about and offer a big boost to wellbeing.

Hot Food – When cooking for one, it’s easy to lose motivation. Many people say their favourite thing about lunch club is enjoying a hearty, homemade meal that reminds them of home.

Loneliness – Regular social contact makes a huge difference to our physical and emotional health. Lunch clubs help turn isolation into friendship and belonging.

What Are the Benefits?

• Staying connected – Friendship, laughter, and conversation improve how we feel and strengthen our sense of belonging.

• Better access to support – For many people, lunch clubs are their first step into accepting a bit of help — and that can open doors to other services.

• Reduced worry – Attendees tell us they feel safer, more confident, and more positive after coming regularly.

• Independence – Staying socially active helps people remain living well and independently at home.

• Happiness – Sharing meals, stories, and new experiences brings joy and fulfilment.

• Nutrition – Hot, balanced meals shared with others are good for body and soul!

  
  

What Are the Costs?

At Teams and Bensham Community Care, the cost is £7.50 for a freshly cooked two-course meal and £4 for return minibus transport. Most activities and entertainment are free of charge.

Where Can I Find a Lunch Club?

You can find local lunch clubs by searching online, asking your GP, or visiting OurGateshead, which lists community groups and social activities across Gateshead.

If you live in Gateshead and would like to know more about our lunch clubs, visit our website or give our friendly team a call any weekday between 9am and 3pm on 0191 460 0297.

In Summary

Lunch clubs make a lasting difference transforming isolation into connection, loneliness into laughter, and low mood into happiness. They can also be a first step to exploring other community activities and supports.

If you or someone you know would like to join us our lunch clubs or men's groups, contact our team on 0191 4600297. There's a range of activities at each group, a freshly cooked two-course meal, refreshments and accessible minibus transport from home and back again in the local area.