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

Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month

The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Renfrew set to welcome top Scottish pipers and drummers

Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 19th July.

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year

Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection

A magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.

Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme

The new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025

Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!