Frome ‘contact the elderly’ group urgently need a new group co-ordinator to keep the service open.
The group arrange and provide monthly tea parties for older people in Frome who find it hard to get out and about.
Dr Cathy Dysch is a volunteer with the group. She said, “When I moved to Frome nearly three years ago I was naturally apprehensive about settling in to a new town. However, able-bodied with two young children it was easy for me to integrate into the welcoming community through the assortment of social gatherings and events on offer. For some people however, getting out and about for that valuable social contact is not so easy.
“Shortly after I moved I came across an article in the Frome Times about the launch of a new group for older people in the town. Contact the Elderly, a national organisation, was looking to establish a new Frome group and needed volunteers to help make this happen.
“The charity organises monthly Sunday tea parties for people aged 75 and over, who live alone with little or no support from friends, family or statutory services. People either volunteer to host tea parties at their homes a couple of times a year, or act as volunteer drivers who pick up the guests and stay with them at each tea party.
“The last two years as a volunteer driver have been rewarding and humbling, but most of all fun. I look forward to the two hour gatherings every second Sunday of the month just as much as the guests do, and I’m sure all the volunteers would say the same. I have heard so many amazing and moving stories about people’s lives, learnt about local history, and shared a huge amount of jokes and laughs.
“Since our last coordinator has had to step down we now really need someone to organise our schedule for the forthcoming year, and help to ensure everyone has transport each month to get to the tea party (as well as coming along themselves when they can).
“This is a voluntary role for someone who has a little bit of spare time to make a big difference in these older people’s lives. We are also always pleased to hear from new drivers or hosts so that we can continue to sustain and grow our group.
“Anyone interested can contact our regional co-ordinator Clare Wilde on 0117 9395747 or
clare.wilde@contact-the-elderly.org.uk.”
