Dine & Dance brings over 60 older tenants together for festive fun

More than 60 tenants, aged 55 and over, came together on Tuesday 8 December for an afternoon of festive fun at our Dine & Dance event.

The celebration, held at Heslam Park in Scunthorpe, was free of charge and offered a warm and welcoming space for tenants to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, a two-course meal and games to embrace the holiday spirit.

Guests had the chance to capture special moments at the photo booth and join in with lively games of bingo. A choir performance and singalong then took place along with a raffle, prizes, and music that inspired many to dance while others simply enjoyed the festive cheer.

The event takes place every year and is designed to tackle social isolation by encouraging tenants to meet new people and spend quality time with friends and colleagues.

Wendy Wolfe, our Customer Experience Manager, said: “It was wonderful to see so many of our tenants enjoying themselves. Events like this are about more than just entertainment, they’re about building connections, reducing loneliness, and creating lasting memories.”

Sheryl, 70, who lives in one of our retirement living schemes, said: “I’ve lived in an Ongo home for two and a half years with my little dog and I love it. Moving in was the best decision I’ve made.

“The team at Ongo are great. They come and run coffee mornings and activities, and if I ever need repairs or anything doing, they sort it. Because I live in a scheme, we have a lounge where we can get together, socialise, and look out for each other which is just lovely.

“The event is marvellous, the food was my favourite part and it’s so nice talking to different people. “I’m lucky because I get out a lot and I’m still quite active, but some people here today don’t have that which makes things like this so important.”

Leigh, 73 who also lives in a retirement living scheme commented: “I’ve been with Ongo for 13 years, and this is the fifth time I’ve come to the Dine and Dance.

“After losing my wife in February, things have been tough, but days like this give me a reason to get out, put on some decent clothes, and enjoy the company. The staff have been so nice and it’s good to see the execs getting involved and being around to chat to.

“The atmosphere is brilliant and very Christmassy. It’s all about people, socialising, and making the most of life.”

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