Your Health Choices West Midlands Senior Special | Page 28

The tea parties are organised by local volunteers who drive older guests safely to the tea parties, stay with them to enjoy the afternoon and then drive them back home again, so, they are perfect if you find public transport difficult. The tea parties take place in volunteer hosts’ homes which are all very comfortable . You will receive a warm welcome to the tea party and have the chance to meet people who also live in your community and get to know them. There are usually around six to eight guests per group, and the volunteers. The same people meet each month which means everyone gets to know each other well over sandwiches, cake and lots of tea. COMPANY, CONVERSATION AND A CUPPA for over 75s in Birmingham Contact the Elderly is a national charity which organises free, monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people aged 75 or over who live alone. The tea parties are a great way to feel part of the community again and make friends 28 health choices Your Do you sometimes find Sunday afternoons very quiet? Do you struggle to get out and about on your own? Then free, monthly afternoon tea parties organized by friendly volunteers in Birmingham could be just what you need. Contact the Elderly is a national charity which organizes free, monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people aged 75 or over who live alone. They offer company, conversation and lots of cake to older Birmingham residents at no cost to the individual. Guests who attend the tea parties remark they feel healthier and happier after joining their local group. It is a great way to learn about other activities in the area you might like to do, and make friends to do new things with. Pamela Walker, Birmingham Development Officer for Contact the Elderly, says: “ The tea parties are a fantastic way for older people to get out of the house and enjoy themselves with company. Many people find Sundays particularly long and hard. Public transport is reduced and family and friends are often busy, so it means some people can find themselves alone the entire day. The tea parties mean you have something to look forward to, something to get dressed up for, and the chance to enjoy a delicious high tea. ” The tea parties currently operate across Birmingham so if you’re interested in coming along to a tea party and would like some more information you can call Pamela Walker on 0121 603 1331 or email [email protected]. For more information, you can visit www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk health choices Your 29