CONTACT THE ELDERLY VOLUNTEER OPEN EVENING TO BE HELD
Contact the Elderly is hosting an open event for those interested in the charity on Thursday 15th May in Glasgow.
The event is to encourage those in the Glasgow and Central Scotland areas to find out how they could make a real difference in alleviating the social isolation of elderly people in their local area.
In Paisley, the charity is looking for a new group coordinator.
Margaret Oliver, West of Scotland Development Officer for Contact the Elderly, said:
“Our charity relies upon the kindness of those who, through our events, become friends with local older people and play significant roles in brightening up their lives.”
Contact the Elderly hosts hold monthly Sunday tea parties in their homes, welcoming around six or seven older people and their drivers.
A volunteer host will welcome a group once or twice a year and must have an accessible home (with no more than a few stairs to climb) and a downstairs toilet. A driver takes the same older people to the outing each month, developing a strong, trusting relationship.
Margaret added:
“The older people and volunteers have a fantastic time at our events. It’s a relaxed and informal afternoon to share stories, memories and, very importantly, tea and cake. From a volunteer’s perspective, the time commitment is relatively low but what they get from it is so much more. For the older person, these outings make a significant difference to their lives and help relieve the isolation felt by so many.”
The event will be held at the Renfield Centre on Bath Street from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 15th May. Places must be booked in advance by contacting Danielle Field on danielle.field@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or 01505 321169.
For more information on local groups and volunteering opportunities, contact Margaret on Margaret.oliver@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or 01389 605915.
