Clwyd West AM Darren Millar enjoyed an afternoon tea in Colwyn Bay last week organised by a charity which aims to reduce loneliness and isolation among the ageing population.

Founded in 1965, Contact the Elderly organises free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups of older people in the homes of volunteers across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Colwyn Bay ‘1’ group was one of the first groups established in the area and has been meeting for just over 10 years. This month the group met at the home of volunteer Susan Evans.

Darren,  who is the Shadow Minister for Older People in Wales, said:

“Sunday afternoon is highlighted as a particularly lonely day of the week for older people living alone so it is great that Contact the Elderly is organising these monthly teas and enabling volunteers to make lasting and fulfilling friendships in the personal and welcoming environment of someone’s home. 

“I really enjoyed meeting the Colwyn Bay group who told me that the benefits extend well beyond the one-Sunday-a-month gathering, with real friendships being formed and some volunteers often helping older guests with their weekly shopping and transporting them to and from hospital appointments, as well as checking up on their general welfare.”

In Wales there are currently 50 active Contact the Elderly groups, with 26 based in North Wales.  At present 443 volunteers ensure that 485 older guests are able to enjoy the companionship at a Sunday tea each month.

For further information or to find a group in your area visit www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk