"Most days are the same but it makes the little things more special"
Northern Quota were given the opportunity to join St David’s chapel tea group for the afternoon which is the one of the only days out that several lonely, elderly people have chance to attend.
The group was set up by the chapel when it became aware of a number of widowed or lonely people attending church each Sunday but then struggling to find other events to attend during the week where they could socialise with friends and allow them to enjoy themselves instead of being alone.
Mrs Daniels, 73, describes coming to the tea group as an escape from day to day life: “I thoroughly enjoy coming here and having the chance to catch up with friends. We can talk over the phone but it isn’t the same as sitting in a group and just having a general chat over a cup of tea. I’ve been coming for about 5 months since I moved into my bungalow on my own. It is difficult being alone sometimes but having a break from it by coming somewhere like here gives me chance to enjoy myself.”
Emma Allen, 70, said that coming for tea was a great way to cure loneliness: “I have been alone since my husband passed away 2 years ago and I was encouraged by family to attend more events. Coming to the group has really changed my outlook on things and given me chance to meet new friends and keep in contact with old ones that I didn’t think I would. We do lots of things here such as going on days out, listen to guest speakers and hold jumble sales. It keeps us all feeling as though we belong somewhere and have something to always look forward to even when we feel as though we’re on our own.”
Mr Banner, who is one of several men who also attend the group, described what a great change it’s made for him: “I’ve found attending the group has made me feel much more active in day to day life. Having something to get out of a bed for makes an incredible difference to your day, more than you could imagine. Everyone here is in the same sort of situation which makes you feel as though you can chat to everyone and they will relate to you. There are about ten gentlemen who attend as well as me so we have plenty to talk about.”
The group has around 35 members who attend each week with a mix of men and women both attending. The event is run entirely by volunteers who wish to try and help those who are lonely in the local area. They provide cups of tea and biscuits each week as well as providing transport for anyone who struggles to be able to travel to the group.
One of the volunteers, Lorna Simmons, describes who she chose to get involved: “It’s awful seeing people struggle in later life so I try and do what I can to help out. I have my own grandma who is elderly and I’d hate to think of her being alone.
Even just a few hours a day can make a massive difference to somebody else and everyone should try their hardest to make the most of the time they have. You don't have to donate money or items, just your time alone is enough to really change someone's day from bad to amazing”
