Delivering Joy: a Christmas party to remember

Christmas came early in Birmingham this year as Age UK and Dunelm joined forces to host a truly heart-warming festive celebration for around 80 older people from across the Midlands.

Held at The Old Library in Digbeth, the Delivering Joy event captured everything our partnership strives for: creating communities that feel like home, filled with warmth, laughter and the magic of togetherness.

From the moment guests arrived, spirits were high. Among them were 15 members from our Hollinswood day centre in Telford, who made the journey in style thanks to a luxury minibus arranged especially for the day. Their smiles as they stepped into the beautifully decorated venue set the tone for what became a truly uplifting celebration.

The afternoon kicked off with two lively games of bingo. Guests could also try their hand at a relaxed Christmas craft activity, adding a creative touch to the day. A wonderful local choir filled the venue with classic festive harmonies, providing moments of reflection and joy in equal measure.

Of course, no Christmas party would be complete without delicious food. A two-course Christmas lunch, complete with all the trimmings, brought everyone together around shared tables, sparking conversations, new friendships and a real sense of belonging.

This special event is just one example of what’s being achieved through the partnership between Age UK and Dunelm, which launched in January 2024. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dunelm colleagues and customers, we are on track to reach the £2 million fundraising goal by Spring 2026, almost a full year ahead of schedule.

Every pound raised is helping Age UK provide essential, practical support to older people in their homes and communities. That includes trusted information and advice, friendship services delivered over the phone, and frontline help offered by local Age UKs in the very communities where Dunelm’s customers and colleagues live.

Angela Goodman, Head of Income Generation at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “The Delivering Joy Christmas party was more than a festive gathering, it was a shining example of what happens when compassion, partnership and community come together. The laughter, connection and sheer enjoyment shared by attendees will stay with us for a long time.”

Continued Angela: “A huge thank you to everyone at Dunelm, our staff teams, our brilliant volunteers and all the older people who joined us to make the day so special. Events like this remind us why our work matters, and how much joy we can help create, together.”