A new venture to tackle loneliness and isolation in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area has been launched this week.
‘Something to Do’ is a joint venture between Age UK Somerset, Burnham voluntary group ‘Hands of Change’, and the Somerset Village Agents project, with funding from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council.
Around 15 older people attended the Something to Do open day at the Royal British Legion Club in Victoria Street on Monday (July 11th), where they sampled tea, biscuits and cake, and had the opportunity to meet and chat with new friends.
The guests could also try out a range of activities including crafts, knitting, puzzles and card games, with Hands of Change volunteers on hand to help out.
Angi Lewis, an Age UK Somerset Development Worker, and Steve Ballinger, Community Council for Somerset Community Agent for Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, were on hand to give welfare advice and support.
“It was lovely to have so many people coming along and also to see a partnership between different organisations working so well together to help people live better in later life,” said Angi.
“I’d like to thank all of the guests for coming and also the volunteers for their support both leading up to the open day and at it.”
Reverend Sharon Eldergill, Curate of St Andrew’s Church in Burnham-On-Sea, gave a welcome speech, saying how proud she was to see the community rally round and offer such an activity, before Angi and Kay Marie Barrett of Hands of Change cut a celebratory cake for the launch.
Kay Marie said: “Quite a few people in the room said it was fantastic that people had done something to help. We had an awesome team of volunteers and I feel blessed to be part of it.”
Steve Ballinger said: “There are a lot of elderly people who feel lonely and isolated. This is one way we can make people’s lives better. It’s a privilege to be involved and I look forward to seeing it grow in the coming months.”
The next Something to Do will take place on Monday 25th July between 2pm and 4pm at the Royal British Legion Club in Victoria Street and then every fortnight thereafter.
The sessions are open to anyone aged over-55 and cost just £2, which includes tea and cake. For further information, contact Angi Lewis at Age UK on 07702 687314 or the Age UK Somerset offices at 01823 345610.
