A NEW partnership has been launched in Southampton between the charity Communicare and Solent University and the inaugural event was ‘A Royal Get Together’ to commemorate the Coronation (May 2023).
Communicare, which is on a mission to combat isolation and loneliness in the city, took service users to the Spark Building recently to celebrate with Solent University Level 4 Adult Nursing Students.
Tricia Kenyon, Service Development Officer for Communicare says: “Our service users had a really wonderful time. We believe that events like these that bring generations together are necessary for our society’s health and it’s a privilege to see the joy they bring to service users, who have given so much in their lives but now find themselves isolated.
“Generational separation is something we all experience throughout our lives. We’re all separated into year groups when we start school. This is followed by further separation as we move away from our families for work. So, we’re working towards bringing the generations back together again for the benefit of all.
“The students had really worked hard to make their guests feel welcome and have fun. We started with some tea and Coronation themed cupcakes, while everyone spent some time getting to know about each other. Then the guests picked memory boxes, which had been decorated by the students and engaged in craft activities to fill them with.
“Next was a sumptuous lunch featuring Coronation chicken sandwiches made by the university caterers, Sodexo, followed by karaoke!
“This time of frivolity is part of a new partnership between Communicare and Solent University. It will be led by the nursing department going forward. The nursing tutors and students really hit the ground running with this event and we couldn’t be more delighted.
“They were so keen and creative, they clearly loved being with our service users and vice versa, so I was really excited to hear they want this to be an ongoing venture with Communicare and I’m very much looking forward to our next event together.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Its services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting around 600 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
