Members of Soroptimist International Bridgend hosted a summer outing to Southerndown Golf Club for a small group of our elderly friends. The outing was part of the Club’s Tea with Friends programme which offers older people who are often isolated an afternoon out with contact and companionship.
The project started some 15 years ago when Club members became aware of the issue of loneliness amongst elderly people living in the local area. These people lived alone, didn’t drive and often had mobility or other significant health issues which meant that their opportunities for companionship and social interaction were extremely limited.
Bridgend Soroptimist, Joyce Chatterton explains, “Through a very simple activity – hosting an afternoon tea – we were able, in a small way, to address this often overlooked issue. We host a tea in one of our members’ homes every couple of months and invite along six to eight local ladies to join us and enjoy each other’s company.
“Quite a number of members are involved – some host an event at their home, others are drivers to collect our guests and return them home at the end of the afternoon, and others are sandwich providers, cake makers and tea pourers.”
Joyce continues, “It’s always so lovely to meet our guests, and hear their chatter and laughter. This is often the only time that they leave their homes and meet others in a social environment. As well as our regular afternoon teas, we have helped guests celebrate their birthdays with cake, candles and Prosecco, have been on summer outings to local places of interest and have had Christmas-themed gatherings with crackers and presents.”
Bridgend Soroptimist President Sue Newton said, “We are proud of this project and know from our guests that it has helped to alleviate loneliness, improve mental wellbeing and generally made life a little better for a group of elderly people. Whilst it is a small intervention, it has a disproportionate impact of the lives of those involved and we look forward to hosting more teas in the future.”