Surrey Heath Age Concern

Memories against loneliness

The Surrey Heath Age Concern helps older people – mostly over 70 years old – to overcome social isolation and loneliness.

For this, they put in place several services. First, the volunteers visit some of them directly to their homes. They also welcome older people in the Rainbow Café, where they can receive training on computers and Ipads to stay connected to their loved ones whilst enjoying beverages and snacks. Events are organised too, such as “Tea and Chatter” that offers them a monthly Sunday afternoon tea party at the homes of local volunteer hostesses.

Their new project “Tea and Memories” aims at, once a week, take the guests back in time to when they were younger. A safe, caring environment where they can make friends and share their memories of these “good old days” would be built. The goal is to reach more isolated and lonely men into their groups, as they are notoriously difficult to reach.

Funding provided by the VINCI UK Foundation : £6,215.

This grant will allow the charity to furnish this pop-up Café. Music, sounds, china, cutlery, photos, newspapers articles…everything will be set up to transform the Café into a place full of memories and sharing.

VINCI Sponsor: Jo Pool, administrator, Simplex Westpile.

• Jo already is and will continue to be a volunteer in this charity.
• She will in particular help them keep their website and social media accounts up-to-date to advertise their actions.