Campsie Group welcomes new friends

The group, to be known as the Campsie Group, made up of five older people and four volunteers, enjoyed its first tea party at Abbeyfield House in Lenzie and is looking forward to visiting hosts’ homes throughout the region in the months and years to come as the group, and the friendships within it, develop.

Contact the Elderly tea parties take place once a month on a Sunday afternoon and are an opportunity for those aged 75 and over who live alone to get out of the house and socialise.

Janice Kerr, Central Scotland Development Officer, for Contact the Elderly said: “It is a sad fact that more and more older people are living alone and may be suffering the mental and physical health implications of loneliness. “A small change can make a big difference and our tea parties give people something to look forward to.

“Our volunteers always have a great time and the groups become very special to all those involved very quickly.

“Thanks so much to Abbeyfield House for hosting our first tea party, and its support.

“Partnerships between our charity and others with similar interests help us reach even more people who could benefit from tea, cake and company.”

A volunteer driver collects one or two guests and joins them at the party before returning them safely home. A volunteer host welcomes a group of six to eight people into their home once a year, laying on afternoon tea and a warm atmosphere.

A vast network of more than 1,300 volunteers currently help 1,000 people across Scotland through 110 groups similar to the one that has launched in East Dunbartonshire.

The charity recently launched a new campaign ‘Be Our Guest’ encouraging people to help identify those in their local community who would enjoy the tea parties.

If you are interested in finding out more about Contact the Elderly as a guest or to volunteer contact Janice Kerr on 01236 898613 or [email protected].