David Rutley, local Member of Parliament, was delighted to attend the Christmas meeting of the Contact the Elderly Macclesfield branch and praised the important work of the group.
Social isolation is a real concern for many older people, especially over the Christmas season. David has frequently raised the importance of tackling loneliness among older people, which is a particular concern in Cheshire East with its fast aging population.
Contact the Elderly is a national charity focused on tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people. It is the only national organisation of its kind in this country. With the help of volunteers, the charity organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups of older people, aged 75 and over, who live alone. This gives a regular, monthly friendship link, which is greatly valued.
Those who attend the tea parties are collected from their home by a volunteer driver and brought to a volunteer host’s home for the afternoon. Although the group visit a different host each month, the drivers remain the same. This means that through time, friendships are formed within the group.
Speaking after the meeting, David said, “It was good to see the important work that Contact the Elderly does in providing many older people with much needed companionship and a friendly get together. I would like to pay tribute to all the volunteers who help to provide this service and I hope that it will continue to thrive in the years ahead. I would also urge all local residents to make an extra effort in keeping in touch with their older neighbours, friends and relatives over the Christmas season."