Reengage supports older people by providing social connections in a number of ways. Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for people who are aged 75 and over, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated.
A variety of roles are required to make the tea parties happen including volunteer drivers, co-ordinator and hosts. If you are interested in any of these opportunities are for you here’s some brief information, but there are more details on Reengage’s website https:// www.reengage.org.uk/volunteer/new-volunteers/become-a-tea-party-volunteer/
Volunteer hosts: Hosts’ will invite a small group of older people to their home, which will have a downstairs toilet and not more than a few steps up to the property, and provide an afternoon tea and refreshments for the group which in total is between four and twelve people.
Volunteer drivers: So group members don’t need to worry about transport, guests are collected from their home by a volunteer driver, who accompanies them to the event and makes sure they get home safely at the end. Where possible the same driver accompanies the same guest each month so that you get to know guests well.
Volunteer co–ordinator: This role is key to the running of a tea party group. It requires planning and scheduling skills to ensure older guests know when and where the next tea party will be held and who will be collecting them each month. You must be comfortable organising monthly events with volunteer hosts, socialising, communicating with people and resolving issues that might arise.
All drivers are DBS checked and volunteers are fully vetted. To find out more information or apply for any of the roles see the website below.
https://www.reengage.org.uk/volunteer/new-volunteers/apply/
