Plea for help to expand lifeline tea parties for lonely and isolated

THEY have brought joy into the lives of hundreds of older people in one South Yorkshire town, and now organisers behind a tea party aimed at bringing isolated people together hopes to expand to help even more.
The Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last weekThe Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last week
The Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last week

Last week Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club celebrated the first anniversary of its monthly Superjam tea parties by hosting an afternoon of music, laughter and of course, tea, at Barnsley Holiday Inn.

It has tripled in size in a year, and sees more than 120 take part each month.

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Now organiser Kathy Markwick is appealing to businesses across South Yorkshire to pledge their support so it can hold similar events in Sheffield and Penistone.

The Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last weekThe Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last week
The Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last week

“It is so moving to attend these events and see how much people enjoy it - it brings a tear to my eye,” she said. “You will see people arrive, and may be shy at first, but when the music comes on they are heading for the dance floor and enjoying themselves.”

Mrs Markwick was inspired to start the events after a career change saw her leave the banking sector to work at a care organisation. It was here that she struck by the loneliness and social isolation felt by many older people.

She said: “People can find themselves suffering from loneliness for any number of reasons. We had one gentleman who came along this week whose wife had died six months ago and he hadn’t had much social contact since. He was so brave to come along, and make that step.

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“The parties can also provide a bit of respite for carers, who get a few hours to themselves.”

The Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last weekThe Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last week
The Superjam tea party celebrated its first anniversary last week

The Yorkshire Post has been campaigning to raise awareness about the issue of loneliness since February 2014. Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic also encourages our readers to volunteer for support services.

Mrs Markwick said the Barnsley tea party had already attracted the support of several local companies, who each pledge to cover the cost of a ticket, at £5, or a table, at £50. But to move forward and expand to other areas, larger support is needed.

“It would be wonderful if we could attract full sponsorship for an entire party - around £350,” she said. “Everything is being organised in our spare time so it’s difficult to apply for funding, but we have seen the significant difference these parties have made to the people who have attended and really want to make it work.”

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One of the businesses that has supported the parties so far is Barnsley solicitors MKB.

Office manager Alison Taylor said: ”At MKB Solicitors LLP we deal with many elderly and vulnerable clients and welcome any opportunity to help local organisations in combating social isolation.

“We would urge other businesses to get involved and show their support for this event, which is a wonderful afternoon of music, dancing, tea and treats. With sponsorship starting at only £25 for five places, it’s an affordable way for businesses to support a very deserving cause and see the real benefit and fulfilment it brings to the elderly in our community.”

Any businesses interested in supporting the parties can contact Mrs Markwick on 0114 2830827 or by email at [email protected]

Threat to health

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THE YORKSHIRE Post has been campaigning to highlight social isolation in the region with its Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic campaign.

According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, more than 91,000 older people in Yorkshire are lonely all or most of the time. A report by the charity and Age UK in January said one in ten older people are seriously increasing the risk of suffering mental or physical health issues due to ‘chronic loneliness.’