Help elderly beat loneliness

OLDHAM groups who organise monthly tea parties for isolated elderly residents are struggling to find enough guests to attend.

Organised by the national charity Contact the Elderly, two groups in Oldham regularly host the free events for residents aged 75 and over who live alone and without family, friends and other support networks near by.

The small groups, usually around 10-15 people, encourage guests and volunteers to make lasting friendships over one sunday afternoon a month. However more members are wanted for the newest group.

The charity is asking residents to spread the word about the tea parties and encourage those with little contact with friends or family to sign up to attend a group.

Contact the Elderly’s North-West regional development officer Gwen Lightfoot said: “Unfortunately loneliness among older people in our communities is getting more and more widespread.

“An estimated 2.5 million older people are lonely, and eight in 10 people find it difficult to admit to feeling isolated.

“Everyone knows someone on their street or in their local area who would benefit from getting out of the house and socialising.

“Our volunteers pick up guests and take them to a Sunday afternoon tea party, often the loneliest time of the week for many people.

To find out more, contact Gwen on 01925-728 969 or email gwen.lightfoot@contact-the-elderly.org.uk
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