You're all invited as Friendship Lunches inspire new events for lonely

LONELY and socially isolated older people in South Yorkshire are invited to join a new Friendship Lunch inspired by the Yorkshire Post's Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic campaign.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jul 2016, 15:33 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 16:21 BST
Kathy Markwick and Stewart Dea, who are organising a Loneliness Campaign inspired lunch at the Toby Carvery in Dodworth. Picture by Scott MerryleesKathy Markwick and Stewart Dea, who are organising a Loneliness Campaign inspired lunch at the Toby Carvery in Dodworth. Picture by Scott Merrylees
Kathy Markwick and Stewart Dea, who are organising a Loneliness Campaign inspired lunch at the Toby Carvery in Dodworth. Picture by Scott Merrylees

Following on from the success of Friendship Lunches in North Yorkshire, the founder of a monthly tea party in Barnsley is launching a similar event.

Friendship Lunches were first launched at by landlords Michael and Sasha Ibbotson at the Durham Ox in Crayke in February 2015 on the first anniversary of the Loneliness campaign. The events, which are supported by charities including Age UK, were such a success they were rolled out to six other pubs in the Provenance Inns group in June last year.

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Hundreds of people attend each month, and in recognition of their work Mr and Mrs Ibbotson were invited by the Yorkshire Post to a Christmas party hosted by David Cameron at Downing Street last December.

There they met Kathy Markwick, who was invited after she set up the Superjam Tea Parties in South Yorkshire on behalf of Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club.

Mrs Markwick said: “The Friendship Lunches in North Yorkshire seemed to be having a huge and positive impact on the growing problem of loneliness, and I thought it would be wonderful to do something similar in South Yorkshire.”

Last month she met Stewart Dean, the manager of the Toby Carvery in Dodworth and mentioned the idea. Within the space of an afternoon the first date was set and Mrs Markwick had arranged for a singer, Susan St Nicholas, to perform at the first event on Monday, July 25.

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More than 40 people have already booked in for a discounted two-course meal.

Mrs Markwick, who works at Sheffield-based care organisation Home Instead Senior Care, is now trying to raise awareness among isolated older people or those living in care homes to let them know they are all invited to come along.

A large scale event with entertainment will be held once a month, but Mr Dean said games such as dominoes and bingo will be put on every Monday should the lunches prove popular.

He said: “Two years ago my granddad died leaving my nana feeling very lonely so I know how much it can have a damaging effect. We have a great venue here and we want to make the most of it.”

To book call 01226 291333.

Related topics:South YorkshireYorkshire Post