Christmas can be the most magical time of the year but if you're alone it's sometimes quite the opposite.

For those who would otherwise be spending the festive season by themselves, several organisations in Kent have decided to lay on Christmas treats for the lonely, homeless and isolated.

Canterbury

A pub near Canterbury has been tackling loneliness throughout December by offering free refreshments to those experiencing social isolation.

The Tyler's Kiln in Tyler Hill is opening its doors to lonely people, inviting them to pop in for a hot drink and shortbread around a roaring fire, with no questions asked.

Owner Allister Collins stresses the offer is open to all ages.

To enjoy free tea, coffee and shortbread, head into the tavern between 11am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Allister said: "Simply tell us at the bar that you have 'taken their hand' when ordering your teas and coffees and you will not be charged.

"Nobody deserves to be alone this festive season."

Chatham

There will be lots of festive treats for the homeless and those on their own at Christmas this year in Chatham.

Alongside a traditional Christmas dinner, people can also get a fresh trim, pick up some new clothes and take away sandwiches for later, on behalf of Medway Sunlight Rotary Club and Chatham Salvation Army.

Doors will be open at the Church Street centre from 9.30am for coffee and mince pies, with lunch being served between around midday and 3.30pm.

There will even be a minibus with pick-ups available if arranged beforehand by calling organiser Grace on 07870 636451.

Grace is still looking for volunteers for on the day - give her a call if you'd like to help. Or, if you would like to donate to the cause, click here.

Folkestone

Folkestone Care Centre is also organising a special Christmas meal for locals who may otherwise be alone.

A turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served at the Shorncliffe Road centre on December 19 at 2.30pm.

There will be no cost for the food and there is a vegetarian option available for non-meat-eaters.

With limited spaces available, please call Charlotte on 01303 765700 or email coordinator.fcc@opuscare.co.uk to book a place.

Gillingham

In the hope of making sure no one is left out this Christmas, Strode Park Foundation is inviting the elderly and isolated to join them for a festive treat.

The event, which will include a festive feast, entertainment and gifts will be held on Sunday, December 22 between 1pm and 5pm at Platters Farm Lodge in Highfield Road.

To reserve a place, call Becky or Claire on 01634 377579. Everything is free of charge.

Maidstone

A cafe in Parkwood is hosting a free Christmas dinner for anyone who finds themselves alone on December 25.

Fusion healthy living centre will be offering a roast and a choice of two puddings, with a game of Bingo to keep everyone entertained.

Food will be served between 12.30pm and 3pm, with booking needed to be made prior to arriving by calling Jane on 07842 887631.

Maidstone's Ashley Garden Care Centre is also hosting a Christmas lunch.

The Sutton Road home is hoping any local people, young or old, who may find themselves in need of some company on December 25, will come along to take part in the celebrations.

Home Manager Jo Mazza said: “Our message is simple – don’t be alone this Christmas. At Ashley Gardens you’ll find happy faces, chatter, laughter and festive merriment and we’d be delighted to welcome new friends to the home.

“Our residents are really looking forward to the festive period – it’s such a special time for us all and we’re keen to share our home with our community.”

To find out more or to put your name on the Christmas guest list, contact Jo and the Ashley Gardens team on 01622 761310.

Ramsgate

The Salvation Army in Ramsgate will be hosting a free meal on Christmas Day in the High Street centre.

Running from 11am to 3pm, contact Karl on 07900 497326 to see if there are any more spaces left.

Sevenoaks

A care home in Sevenoaks will be opening its doors on Christmas Day to lonely and isolated members of the local community.

Guests will arrive at Emily Jackson House at midday for a three-course festive meal covering a wide range of dietary needs.

If you would like to go along, call 01732 743824 beforehand to book a place.

The meal is free for the homeless and those in need.

Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne community centre is hosting two days of festivities for the elderly and isolated.

Christmas dinner, quizzes and carol singing will be provided free of charge at Phoenix House, Central Avenue on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

However, there are just two spaces left on each day - call Louise on 01795 473828 to see if there is any more room.

Tonbridge

For the 17th year in a row, Tonbridge Baptist Church will lay on a Christmas Day lunch.

For £12.50 per person, guests can enjoy a traditional three-course meal along with a gift from Father Christmas.

Celebrations will kick off at noon with refreshments and nibbles, festive music and lunch will be served at 1pm.

Diners can even watch The Queen's speech in the church at 3pm before Santa arrives.

Places can be booked on 01732 352824. Couples are welcome.

Organiser Margaret Bull said: "We don't like to think of anybody being on their own on Christmas Day, and there's no need to be."

Tunbridge Wells

Festivities will also be had at the Age Concern hall in Wood Street off Ham Road on Christmas Day.

Tunbridge Wells' St Augustine's Church has organised the meal for more than 30 years, inviting homeless people or those who just might be a bit lonely.

Lunch will be served at 12.30pm and transport can be arranged if people can't get to the hall themselves.

If you would like to go along or know someone who might, call 01892 522525 or 07583 549797.

Walderslade

A classic fry up will be available free of charge in Walderslade on Boxing Day for people who might not have anywhere to spend the day.

The Net Community Hub is hosting the Boxing Day brunch, with guests able to help themselves to food and enjoy their meal while catching up with other local residents.

There is no need to book and doors will be open between 10am and 2pm. You can find the hub at 70, Silverweed Road.

One of the organisers, Ruth Hardy of Walderslade Together Girls, said: "Lots of people have somewhere to go on Christmas Day but then nothing to do on the 26th, when lots of things are still closed.

"Anyone is welcome but we want to encourage people who may not have anyone else to come along in particular."

If you know of any other places offering Christmas dinner or festive treats to the homeless, lonely or isolated, please let us know by emailing rtuffin@thekmgroup.co.uk

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