Renfrewshire appeal to help ease loneliness
An organisation with a mission to ease loneliness amongst older people is appealing for support with its work across Renfrewshire.
Article Source: Contact the Elderly
Last Updated: 29 May 2019 10:19
Contact the Elderly, which tackles social isolation through regular Sunday afternoon tea parties, relies on a dedicated army of volunteers up and down the country.
There are currently more than 130 groups in Scotland, holding dozens of gatherings each weekend, including in the Lochwinnoch, Paisley, Kilmacolm and Erskine, Bishopton and Inchinnan areas.
But more volunteers are urgently needed in Renfrewshire to help the charity reach as many potential guests as possible – older people for whom a monthly Sunday afternoon outing can sometimes be their only respite from the relentless cycle of loneliness.
The concept is simple but effective – a chat with friends over a cup of tea and cake, something most of us take for granted. But as age takes its toll, often bringing mobility issues, and the circle of friends and family diminishes, horizons shrink and loneliness can easily intrude.
Step forward Contact the Elderly volunteers : local residents who act as informal hosts, opening their homes to a small group of guests, and others who provide a door-to-door chauffeur service to the afternoon teas.
Angela Rae-Murray, the charity’s support officer in the area says: “The problem of social isolation is nothing new but is reaching epidemic proportions as more of us are living longer but are sometimes less able to get out and about.
“The issue of loneliness among older people was recognised by our founder, Trevor Lyttleton MBE, more than 50 years ago when he offered coffee and friendship to an elderly neighbour in need of company. Today the charity continues to offer that vital lifeline of companionship but the need for volunteers is constant as we expand to reach more and more people.”
The charity is hoping to hear from anyone locally who could host a party or who would be willing to become a volunteer driver. “Hosts are only expected to hold one or two parties a year,” explains Angela.
“That’s just a few hours out of 365 days. Drivers commit to ferrying a regular, small group of guests once a month, but again that’s not a particularly onerous amount of time. And it’s a really rewarding way for anyone who wants give something back to their community.
“Kindness costs nothing but the difference it can make to the life of a lonely, person is really quite remarkable.”
Contact the Elderly is also inviting potential guests to get in touch or would be happy to hear from anyone who knows an older person who would enjoy a lively afternoon out with one of the groups.
“We know just how much our regular guests look forward to catching up,” says Angela. “One said that attending the parties was the happiest she had been since losing her husband.
“In today’s fast-paced life it’s easy for the needs of the older generation to be overlooked but I’m confident the Renfrewshire community will come forward to help and we’re just waiting to hear from them.”
To find out more about becoming a guest or volunteer with Contact the Elderly in Scotland, please contact Angela Rae-Murray at angela.rae-murray@contact-the-elderly.co.uk or Tel 07902 246062.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
More free parking in Paisley town centre for festive period
Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.
READ MORE
Travelling Gallery transported Paisley visitors to Another Realm
Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire falls silent to pay respect to the Armed Forces
Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Paisley
Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links