Moray’s Got Talent in show of support for elderly
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YOUNG performers have put their talents towards helping combat loneliness in older people in Moray.
Moray’s Got Talent, which showcased a variety of local entertainers last month, raised almost £800 for Contact the Elderly. Gemma Kemp, from Cullen, and The Country Quines, from Keith, were joint winners of this year's contest.
The proceeds of the event, held in Buckie Community High School on June 21, will buy treats for the charity’s Elgin and Buckie groups' regular tea parties and also for new groups which are being set up.
Contact the Elderly tackles social isolation through monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for older people – typically those over 75 and living alone who can sometimes spend endless hours without conversation or company.
Guests are chauffeured to and from the tea parties, which are usually held in a local host’s home, by volunteer drivers. Older people can enjoy a lively afternoon of chat over tea and cake outwith their homes.
The gatherings do wonders for wellbeing – but rely heavily on local volunteers.
Denise Robson, Contact the Elderly development officer, said: "We were thrilled to be nominated to receive the proceeds of this year’s Moray’s Got Talent and can’t thank everyone enough for their magnificent contribution.
"It means we will be able to provide some little extras for our groups on special outings and is particularly appreciated because so many of the performers were many decades younger than our guests. It’s heart-warming to see that the younger generation is doing something so positive to improve the lives of older people and is enormously appreciated."
Moray's Got Talent organiser Leah Rosvoll said: "Moray’s Got Talent were honoured to support Contact the Elderly in Moray. Our junior volunteers really enjoyed learning about the project and showing a stronger support for their elderly relatives."
Denise is setting up groups in Buckie, Banff, Forres and Speyside and is on the lookout for volunteer hosts and drivers in these areas.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a guest or volunteer with Contact the Elderly should contact Denise at denise.robson@contact-the-elderly-org.uk, phone 01542 285010 or visit www.contact-the-elderly.org.
