A Scottish charity which organises social events for older people is in desperate need of more volunteers – especially in Aberdeenshire.
Re-engage is committed to fighting loneliness among those aged 75 and older through its nationwide tea parties.
The volunteer-run events are held monthly but have experienced a significant drop in numbers since the pandemic.
The charity is now actively recruiting more volunteers so it can continue to support those facing social isolation.
This includes more than 2,000 people who are on the waiting list to join a tea party in their area.
‘A tremendous boost’
Jean Malcolm, a volunteer area organiser, said she had noticed some significant gaps in parts of Aberdeenshire, including Aboyne and Ballater.
“Some older people have no families and were isolated during years of Covid. With the dark nights, and Christmas and New Year coming up, it’s a tough time.
“So, the tea parties are a tremendous boost. They all get something special out of it and a bit of company can go a long way. It benefits the drivers and coordinators too, as they can call up the guests and check in. They look forward to it.
“We’ve also had the Scouts and fire service organise tea parties, as well as primary schools from time to time. It’s good for connecting with the young people, which the older people love – they light up.
“You meet all sorts of people and hearing everyone’s life stories is wonderful.”
Volunteers needed
There are currently more than 100 volunteer vacancies in Scotland, including Aberdeen, Aviemore, Lossiemouth, Nairn and Inverurie.
Volunteer roles include driving guests to and from tea parties, as well as hosting the events.
People can also get in touch with Re-engage to inquire about starting their own group in a new location.
Mrs Malcolm, who started the Laurencekirk and Angus group 16 years ago, said volunteers only need to dedicate a couple hours of their time.
“It’s not a massive undertaking, but it makes a big difference,” she added. “And, there’s not many opportunities to do good by eating cake.”
She also shared a special moment from a recent group tea party in Brechin which brought together guests and coordinators from across her whole area.
One of the attendees was retired farmer Michael Fotheringham, who was “thrilled to bits” when he spotted some watercolors by his late wife on display at the venue.
Tea parties are a ‘lifeline’
Meryl Davies, the Re-engage chief executive, explained how the charity social events can be life-changing for older people and the volunteers.
She said: “Too many older people have no social contact from one week to the next and consider the television to be their only company.
“Joining a Re-engage social group can change their lives completely, bringing friends and contacts back into their lives.
“One older person told us that she had stopped getting any birthday cards as her social circle dwindled. After joining a tea party group this changed completely.
“Tea parties change lives for older people and volunteers too. But unless we are able to recruit hundreds more volunteers, we will have to let down older people for whom this is a lifeline.
“We’re not asking for a huge commitment – just a couple of hours a month to be part of something that will make a big difference.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with Re-engage can visit the website or call 020 7240 0630.
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