Christmas Eve walks and volunteer parties

A Tendring charity has celebrated Christmas with parties and festive walks and even has extra drop-in sessions planned for the lonely over the holidays.

Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) held walks in Clacton and Harwich on Christmas eve to get everyone out in the fresh air for some exercise before closing for Christmas.

Walkers donned their festive hats and enjoyed seafront walks in both towns.

The two events followed a series of Christmas parties held by the charity’s groups throughout the month, and two celebrations for CVST volunteers to thank them for their support in 2025.

Lisa Andrews, CVST Chief Officer, said: “It’s been lovely to see all the groups celebrating together with parties and meals, and we always try to host Christmas events for our amazing volunteers too.

“Everyone had so much fun – there was singing and laughing, and lots of festive food.

“We, of course, then had our Christmas eve walks in both Harwich and Clacton – a lovely way to get people together and out exercising, which we know is great for our mental wellbeing.

“But that’s not all we have going on in December – while our offices will be closed for Christmas, we were keen to make sure we had an event over what can be a difficult and lonely time for some in the community.

“So, on December 29th we will be opening for a drop-in with free mince pies and hot drinks.”

Between 10am and 12noon at Imperial House in Rosemary Road, Clacton, and the Dovercourt and Harwich Hub in High Street, Dovercourt, there will be staff and volunteers welcoming residents in for a hot drink and mince pie.

For more information about CVST’s groups visit the website on www.cvstendring.org.uk or call 01255 425692 in the New Year.