Durham pub launches "friendship lunch" initiative to combat loneliness in rural communities

Provenance Inns’ the Durham Ox, in Crayke, County Durham, is encouraging locals of all ages to reach out to others in their area and raise awareness of social isolation, coming together at the pub where the Ox’s kitchen will serve dishes such as soup with homemade bread and fish and chips, as well as full three course meals.

Owner Michael Ibbotson claimed that with village shops and communal facilities closing down, pubs were becoming increasingly influential in bringing people in rural communities together.

He said: “Eating is such a social practice and has a crucial impact upon physical, social and mental health.

“We hope our lunches will be a doorstep to friendship for people who might not otherwise have the chance to get out and meet one another - I am sure everyone knows of a friend or neighbour who might not have had a great Christmas or spends a lot of time on their own without many visitors – and it’s up to communities like ours, rather than local government, to get people together.”

Age UK, a British charity that works with the elderly, has lent its support to the Durham Ox’s cause.

Alex Bird, executive officer at Age UK, said: “We can all do our bit to help fight the growing problem of loneliness by making time for older people and checking in on older friends and neighbours who we might know.

“Small changes and acts of kindness can make a real difference and it’s fantastic to see pubs like the Durham Ox doing their bit to combat loneliness.”