A group needs new volunteers to help run tea parties for the elderly.

The Oxford branch of a national charity for befriending the over-75s is looking for new guests and volunteers to host and drive guests to tea parties.

Going out for tea is always a treat and especially when pensioners are invited into someone else's home.

That’s what members of Re-engage look forward to once a month on a Sunday afternoon.

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Volunteer hosts prepare a tea, usually of sandwiches, sometimes scones and cakes, and invite guests into their home.

Volunteer drivers pick up guests and take them to the tea party and home again, and there is no charge to take part. 

Oxford-based organiser Sarah Evered said: “We would like to welcome more guests so we can offer this lovely afternoon to more people who are aged 75+ and who live alone. 

“There were several groups running in Oxford before Covid, and we finally got up and running again in May last year. We know there are lots of older people who would enjoy an afternoon out, so we are welcoming new guests. It is a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy tea with a friendly group. 

“If you would like to join us either as a guest or volunteer as a host or a driver, we would love to hear from you. To register your interest you can contact me on 07919 478479 or go online at www.reengage.org.uk to find out more.”

(Image: Dave Richardson) One of the people who attends Re-engage tea parties, Margaret Andrews, 90, said: “I really look forward to them, it’s a wonderful outing once a month. The people are all friendly and very special.”

Dave and Victoria Richardson, of Kennington, who host parties a couple of times a year, said: “If you’ve got the space to host up to 10 people for a couple of hours, this is such a worthwhile thing to do.

"It isn’t a big expense to lay on tea, sandwiches and cakes, and seeing the joy on people’s faces makes it special for volunteers as well as for guests.”

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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