Waiting list for Elgin OAPs' tea parties
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A SECOND group has been set up in Elgin to help break the misery of loneliness among older people as a charity's waiting list grows.
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross helped launch Contact the Elderly's Elgin 2 group at the weekend.
The charity – which runs Sunday afternoon tea parties for older people to help combat social isolation – recently appealed for more local volunteers to extend its reach.
There is a waiting list to join the Elgin parties.
Among those who came forward as volunteers were Nicola and Peter Hire, from Longmorn, who hosted the Elgin 2 group's guests and helpers at their home at the weekend.
They also welcomed Mr Ross, who has pledged his backing to the initiative.
Mr Ross said: "Loneliness is a growing and distressing problem affecting many in our society – but is particularly poignant for older people who often can’t get out and about as easily as others.
"Contact the Elderly provides much-needed, friendly companionship, something which can go a long way to improving the lives of older members of our community, and it was a real privilege to meet all those involved."
The charity organises tea parties across the country every weekend. Guests, usually aged over-75 and living alone, are chauffeured by volunteer drivers to a host’s home where they can enjoy a couple of hours of tea, cake and conversation.
The charity says older people often feel ignored or invisible, and claims two-fifths of all older people say television is their main source of company.
A third group in Elgin is on the cards if enough volunteers can be found. Hosts need only devote three afternoons a year to the charity when they are asked to welcome small groups of guests and volunteers into their home for afternoon tea.
Drivers are required for one Sunday afternoon per month to collect guests, accompany them to the gathering and drive them home again.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer or guest with Contact the Elderly, contact Denise Robson at denise.robson@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or on 01542 285010 or 07856.
