LONELY or isolated individuals in Southampton can go along to an intergenerational friendship group supported by a charity in the city (February 2023).
Communicare is supporting the Cuppas Friendship Club on February 23 from 10.30am at King’s Church in Lordswood with another on March 23.
Tricia Kenyon, Service Development Officer at Communicare, which helps vulnerable and isolated people, said: “In January we launched a new intergenerational friendship club in Lordswood in partnership with Oakwood Primary School and King’s Church and it was a huge hit with our service users and everyone else who attended, so we’re inviting anyone else out there who might be lonely or isolated, to come along to our next meeting.
“Attendees were able to talk to pupils from Oakwood Primary School and they said they found it thoroughly enjoyable talking to the youngsters.
“A key element to isolation in our society is the breakdown of relationships and understanding between the generations. Many older adults have contact with children only rarely and vice versa. It was such a pleasure to see the joy on the faces of young and old at this first event and we’re all looking forward to the next one on February 23, followed by another on March 23.”
Anyone interested in attending the next group on February 23 should contact enquiry@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk or call 023 82 50 0050 in advance.
Dee Heatley from Southampton, who attended the first meeting of the group in January, said: “The whole atmosphere lifted me totally, the children were delightful.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Communicare’s 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 visiting those who find it difficult to get out and about, assisting with shopping and providing transport for essential appointments or social events.
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.
The Cuppas Friendship Club will take place on February 23 from 10.30am-11.30am at King’s Church in Lordswood, Southampton.
