For the oldest people in society, the difference between happiness and a life of loneliness can be something as simple as a cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon.
The charity Contact the Elderly runs Sunday tea parties for its guests, operating five groups in Islington.
Tom Garvin, 26, of Chapel Market, began as a volunteer driver for his group in North Islington 15 months ago. He tells Islington Now about his experience…
I first saw an advert for the tea parties on the tube at Kensington around Christmas.
I wanted to do some volunteering, but wanted to do it on my own terms – I’ve got a busy job in the city, so couldn’t give up time in the week. I wanted to be around to be able to commit, and not let people down. Contact the Elderly is only one afternoon a month, so it fits my lifestyle.
I wanted to get involved with an organisation that helped young children or the more vulnerable people in society.
We go to a different host each month, who provides tea, coffee and cakes. Each group has a co-ordinator who organises the venues. My girlfriend, Natalie, recently started as co-ordinator for our group.
I give them a call during the week before to make sure they can come on Sunday. I’ll normally pick up one or two of the guys, and if a driver can’t make it we all fill in for each other.
We’ve got a really social bunch, they all get involved and have a good laugh – we talk about everything. We’ve got a lady from Malta called Doris who’s just hilarious – a really eccentric character. We’ve got an ex-London cabbie called Harry who’s 93, a terrific age – slightly hard of hearing, bless him, but he’s all there.
These people are elderly but their minds haven’t gone – they’re intelligent, funny people. Some walk with canes or walking sticks, but their personalities are top notch.
I’m becoming really good friends with them. They’ve got my mobile number, so if they need anything during the week they can let me know.
We have had a couple of the guests lose people recently. Then, the group becomes a bit of a therapy session for them – they want to get out the house.
It’s just great being part of these people’s lives – they are really inspiring. There’s never an afternoon when I don’t look forward to it – I come out feeling bouncy and full of life. I’d encourage anybody to do it.
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Contact the Elderly helps over 4300 people over the age of 75 living in the UK. Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer like Tom or joining one of the five local groups can call Isabella Wise, North London Development Officer on 020 8445 1333.
