As part of its ‘Communi-Tea’ programme, with a commitment to supporting local Dorset charities and causes, Dorset Tea has teamed up with Age UK, to provide funding and support for a new drop-in ‘Tea Club’ initiative, to help reach and support the local elderly community on a weekly basis. With the support of Dorset Tea, the charity will now be able to replicate this fantastic group in Weymouth, where they have seen great demand for the service, providing funding (and of course tea) to set up a weekly Tea Club. This will start in November at the Salvation Army with more details to be confirmed.
Age UK NSWD and Dorset Tea will be hosting a Cream Tea event on Thursday 6th of October, to celebrate this wonderful partnership. The event will be held at the community church, Poundbury, Dorchester, and for the bargain price of £5 people can enjoy a handmade scone with cream and jam, accompanied by plenty of delicious Dorset Tea and a sing-along with Melodies for Memories. They will also be hosting a raffle.
If anyone would like a book a space at the Cream Tea event on the 6th of October, they can call Age UK on 01305 269444
Following the covid-19 pandemic, when the world re-opened Age UK launched a Dorchester Coffee Club held every Thursday at the YMCA in Dorchester, from 10:30am – 12pm, as a safe place for people to come weekly and enjoy a warm drink, and a warm welcome. This proved extremely popular, helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.
Rachel Weiss, from Age UK, North, South and West Dorset, said: “Following the covid-19 pandemic, many older people in our communities felt isolated and lonely, these groups are so important for tackling loneliness, but also where people can go to find the support they need. This funding will help us to set up further groups, creating a sociable environment for people to get together and chat, as well as providing access to local services, games and more!
“In homage to Dorset Tea, the new ‘Tea Club’ will provide the same wonderful warm atmosphere with plenty of Tea (and Coffee!) and lots of laughs.”
Lauren Forecast from Dorset Tea says: “We are delighted to be supporting Age UK North, South & West Dorset, by enabling the independent charity to roll-out this amazing concept into further Dorset towns. The ‘Tea Club’ is a perfect example of why we launched the ‘communi-tea’ initiative, and we are proud to support the incredible the work that AGE UK carry out, helping to tackle loneliness and isolation in rural Dorset.”
As well as creating a sociable environment for people to get together and chat, Age UK work with other services in the community who come in to present what is available in the local area or give information. They have been very lucky to have had great guest speakers from Citizens Advice, the Fire Service and the Police.
In addition to the wonderful opportunity for attendees to learn about what is available in the area and get information they need, they focus on having fun and enjoying one another’s company, with regular games sessions, including skittles and darts, host quizzes, sing-a-longs and musical bingo – which is always well-received!
More details about Age UK, North, South & West Dorset here: ageuk.org.uk/northsouthwestdorset
More details about Dorset Tea here: dorsettea.co.uk
