Age Concern Crosby becomes part of national charity Re-engage
The charity will continue to provide its key services in Crosby.
From left to right they are of Meryl Davies and Su Bramley
Submitted by Age Concern Crosby
Age Concern Crosby has become part of Re-engage, a national charity that works to combat loneliness and social isolation in older people.
The charity which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, was founded under the name of ‘Old People’s Welfare’ by the then Medical officer of Health for Crosby, the late Dr J.G Haliwood in 1952, with help from local women’s organisations and churches.
As part of Re-engage, Age Concern Crosby will continue with its valuable work and the provision of its weekly lunch clubs at Waterloo United Free Church Hall, and Flicks and Friends, a monthly film screening at the Plaza Community Cinema.
Re-engage is committed to providing social connections for those aged 75 and over at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing. The charity runs free monthly tea parties to provide a lifeline of friendship for older people, giving them a chance for a change of scenery, an afternoon of conversation and laughter and a regular social gathering to look forward to.
It also offers call companions, a telephone be-friending service, which ensures older people remain connected to the outside world and receive a weekly call from a friendly volunteer.
Su Bramley, former chair of trustees, who has been involved with Age Concern Crosby for 30 years, said: “Our priority as trustees of Age Concern Crosby was to find a partner we could trust to take forward the legacy of our founders and would ensure that, as we celebrate our 70th anniversary in 2022, the excellent services, support and guidance which we have provided to older people in the area, would continue. Re-engage has a strong reputation for providing these services and we are looking forward to celebrating with them.”
Meryl Davies, CEO of Re-engage, said: “Our tea party groups, and call companions are making a very real difference to the lives of lonely older people. One of the ways that we can reach more older people is by working in partnership with other charities, so I am delighted Age Concern Crosby has now become part of Re-engage.
“As well as building on the wonderful work being carried out here, we’ll also be setting up more tea party groups in and around Merseyside and encouraging more older people to join call companions.”
If you are interested in joining a tea party, or if you know someone aged 75 and over who is living alone in the Merseyside area who could benefit from coming along to a tea party or having a call companion, call 0800 716 543 (freephone) or email info@reengage.org.uk. The charity also has an interactive map (here) listing all tea party volunteering opportunities across the UK.
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