As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, a Hertfordshire care home has taken its popular ‘Gentlemen’s lunch club’ on the road to allow male residents to come together and discuss important issues in a comfortable environment – while enjoying a tipple or two.

Attended by eight residents and a staff member at Foxholes Care Home near Hitchin, the social outing marked the first time since the lunch club was formed over a year ago that male residents were able to enjoy a pub outing – which proved perfect for a few hours of overdue conviviality.

Following the pandemic lockdown, Foxholes has now officially reintroduced safe outings and day trips for its residents.

Making the short trip to the home’s local pub, The Highlander, residents got in the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Week by opting to discuss varying topics from their wellbeing to hobbies and interests, as well as shared experiences with fellow male residents over lunch.

The group enjoyed fish and chips in the sunshine, with a tipple of beer, wine and cider also enjoyed by all.

Neil Gandencha, estate manager at Foxholes, who attended the club’s relaunch, said: “Loneliness is affecting more and more of us across the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health, particularly since the pandemic. At Foxholes, we’re always open to new ideas on ways to improve our residents’ quality of life and with several of our male residents openly expressing their desire to host the popular lunch club outdoors in the community for the first time, it seemed like a no-brainer. It was one of the most enjoyable days out in a long time.”