Re-engage, the only charity that fights loneliness and isolation affecting those aged 75 and over, is looking for volunteers to help with its monthly free tea parties in Retford.
Volunteer hosts provide sandwiches, cake and tea at their homes and guests are driven to and from the locations free of charge.
These social occasions are hugely important to some of the older people who may not see or speak to someone else for days or weeks.
The charity, which has hundreds of groups around the country, started in 1965 and since then has helped over 100,000 older people and its volunteers have hosted more than 250,000 tea parties.
The Retford group – which usually meets on the third Sunday in the month – started in 2013 and currently has around a dozen volunteers and six regular older people.
One 85-year-old guest said: “I really enjoy going and meeting other people and the volunteers are so friendly and caring. I’m very lonely so this service is vital for me. It’s really improved my quality of life.”
These are some of the meeting dates for the Retford group:
- 26th March
- 16th April
- 21st May
- 25th June
- 23rd July
- 20th August
If you would like to volunteer as a Re-engage host or driver, please visit www.reengage.org.uk/volunteer.