Steamplicity Host Christmas ‘Thank You’ Lunch for Worthing Town Cryers

Steamplicity, the innovative steam cooking system operated by Compass Group UK & Ireland continued their annual tradition of hosting a ‘thank you’ Christmas lunch for local dementia support group the ‘Worthing Town Cryers’.

Now in its fourth year, this annual event saw the Worthing Town Cryers team treated to a festive afternoon as thanks for their continued and strengthened support. During this four-year period, working with the Worthing Town Cryers has given the Steamplicity team key insight and feedback as to how they can improve and introduce various initiatives aimed at improving the overall mealtime experience for those living with dementia.

The three-course meal, which is the first of 41,000 Christmas meals to be provided by Steamplicity, began with a hearty cream of tomato soup, followed by the main course of roast turkey and an assortment of seasonal vegetables; the festive menu was rounded off with a classic steamed Christmas pudding. Each guest was also given a gift and card as a token of gratitude and a lovely reminder of the afternoon and the merit of this on-going relationship.

The partnership was originally brought together through the Alzheimer's society, who Compass Group's healthcare teams have continually fundraised for since 2015, to date raising over a huge £320,000 used to fund on-going research projects.

The Worthing Town Cryers' name was adopted out of a passion for ensuring that there is a voice within the local West Sussex community, therefore making the local area more accessible to those with dementia. The healthcare division of Compass Group UK & Ireland is incredibly passionate about this cause, and in 2016 rolled out its 'Dignified Dining' toolkit, which allows for people with dementia to be given more personalised support in terms of their food provision.

Tim Wilkins, Service User Involvement Officer – West Sussex, Alzheimer’s Society said:“The Christmas Lunch team from Steamplicity once again served up a lovely festive menu to the wonderful members of the Worthing Town Cryers. This was the fourth year and it was great to catch up with the team of Anna, John and Jono. Having such brilliant hosts certainly got the Town Cryer members in the Christmas spirit.”

Steve Cenci, Managing Director, Healthcare at Compass Group UK & Ireland said:“I would like to personally say thank you to the Worthing Town Cryers’ dementia group for their continued work with us, and also to those involved who have made it possible for us to return for this wonderful Christmas lunch for the fourth year running. Our healthcare team is extremely passionate about continuing to support research projects for those living with dementia, and the feedback we receive here is invaluable and greatly assists in allowing us to shape our food offers developed for those living with dementia.”

Peter, a member of the local dementia support group, said of the event:“What made this Christmas lunch even more special for me was having the Steamplicity guys actually taking time out of their busy day to sit down and join us.”