Local News
Monthly Sunday Afternoon Tea Party creating lasting companionships
We are inviting elderly residents in Huntingdon, St Ives & surrounding villages to join a local group to enjoy an afternoon of tea, conversation and good company, all made possible by the charity Reengage. Re-engage works to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst over-75s through organised social gatherings and monthly afternoon tea parties. One Sunday a month, elderly guests are collected from their homes by volunteer drivers and taken to a local tea party, held at a volunteer host’s home, or local venue where friendship and companionship can form over cups of tea and cake. The regular meetings quickly transform volunteers and guests from strangers into longlasting friends, due to the personal interactions each guest receives within their groups. The scheme is entirely free and ensures that even those with limited transport options are able to take part, due to the charity’s volunteer drivers. As many older guests in later life have found themselves house-bound or with decreasing support networks due to ill-health, mobility or lack of transport, the tea parties can be a fantastic opportunity to connect with other locals and the wider community, while offering a regular social engagement in your calendar. The Huntingdon & St Ives groups also arrange trips out, all suitable for those that have mobility issues. Previous trips have included boat trips along the River Ouse, a Christmas outing to a tearoom, a
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cinema trip and a visit to the bird sanctuary. There is no cost for being one of our guests, just a willingness to be part of a friendly group that laughs and talks a lot. One of our guests, Maureen, has been attending our tea parties for several years says “the tea parties provide good company for someone who is completely housebound as I get collected and dropped off from my house. It’s a lovely chance to chat with other people.” We are looking for new guests to join us at our tea parties as we re-start them this year after taking a break due to Covid19. If you are interested, or you know family or friends that would benefit from joining our monthly tea parties then please get in touch via the details below. We are also looking for new volunteers. If you have a few hours a month to spare as a host for a tea party, or as a driver, and want to be part of a fun, friendly group then we’d love to hear from you. Volunteer Gillian says “A monthly tea party to give carers/family members a break and for older people to meet up with their contemporaries for chat and some laughs. They have vast experience and very wise insights. It is a privilege to be involved in such an interesting and rewarding activity.” To find out more about being a guest or volunteer please contact Re-engage on 0800 716 543 info@reengage.org.uk and make sure to say that you are contacting with interest in the Huntingdon or St Ives group.
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