Groups of volunteers that organise monthly tea parties for isolated people aged 75 and over in Midsomer Norton, Radstock and surrounding villages are struggling to reach older, isolated people in their communities, says national charity, Contact the Elderly.
Residents in Midsomer Norton and Radstock are being encouraged to spread the word about the charity’s free monthly tea parties, restarting this Autumn, and encourage older people in their areas who live alone and have little contact with family and friends to sign up to attend the groups.
Contact the Elderly’s Bristol, Bath and Somerset Development Officer, Helen Ker-Bridges, said: “It is increasingly hard to reach isolated older people. They are so often left feeling trapped in their homes – not getting out a lot and not speaking to a single person for days.
“Everyone knows someone on their street or in their local area who could do with getting out of the house and socialising. We urge residents in Midsomer Norton, Radstock and surrounds to think about someone who would benefit and ask them to get in touch with me. Our volunteers pick guests up from their homes and accompany them to a Sunday afternoon tea party, often the loneliest time of the week for our guests.”
Contact the Elderly operates by forming small local groups made up of guests and volunteers. One Sunday afternoon a month, each group meets for tea, cake and company. Hosts take it in turns to welcome guests, usually once or twice a year, and volunteer drivers take guests safely to the tea party and then home again. This is a free service.
Helen Ker-Bridges would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the groups as a guest, or anyone interested in referring an older person to the service and can be contacted via: 01225 873812 or email: [email protected]