Canterbury lawyer launches afternoon tea club for lonely OAPs

A lawyer from Canterbury has launched a new Sunday afternoon tea party for senior citizens in the city who live alone or have limited contact with other people.

Melanie Christodoulou, an Associate at law firm Furley Page, will arrange monthly afternoon tea parties on behalf of Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly).

The charity brings older people together at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing, in order to tackle isolation and loneliness by organising social groups with volunteers.

Each month, Melanie will work with a different volunteer to host an afternoon tea party for up to 10 elderly guests many of whom are housebound and have very little contact with others. . The tea parties gives them something to look forward to each month.

Speaking about her decision to launch the new Canterbury group, Melanie said: “It is a sad fact that older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a dramatic impact on their health and wellbeing. Re-engage’s vision is a world where no one is ever too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction.

“I am very excited to have launched the new Canterbury tea party club. The group will provide a friendly event where members can chat, socialise and hopefully make new friendships.”

If you would like to know more about Re-engage Sunday afternoon tea parties in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay call 01227 763939 or email Melanie Christodoulou mlc@furleypage.co.uk 

For more information about Re-engage visit the charity’s website: www.reengage.org.uk

Notes to editors

Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly)

Re-Engage is the only national charity solely dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people through face to face contact. The charity changed its name from Contact the Elderly to Re-Engage in October 2019.

Supported by a network of volunteers, Re-engage organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups of older people aged 75 and over who are dealing with loneliness and social isolation. The tea parties bring people of all ages together, develop fulfilling friendships and support networks, and give everyone involved something to look forward to each month.