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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire

Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.

Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley

The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire

A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine

A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.

Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community

The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.

Erskine lights up for Christmas

Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!

Johnstone shines bright this festive season

Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley

Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Renfrew lights up for Christmas

Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley

Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment

A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas

Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.

Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event

Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

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.

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.