Chichester care home tackling loneliness

Wellington Grange, in Broyle Road, Chichester, is one of 21 Colten Care homes staging the Tea & Togetherness gatherings on the first Wednesday of each month, starting in February.

The move follows the success of a monthly get-together which began last year at Colten’s Bourne View care home in Poole, in a bid to tackle loneliness.

Regular visitor Margaret Howl said: “It’s fantastic. You are always made so welcome and I am meeting people I haven’t seen for years. It’s a happy, friendly experience each time. I never expected to be coming into a care home and enjoying this level of companionship. I mark it in my diary every month so I can make sure to avoid anything else that might come up. I am definitely planning to come all through 2020.”

Sue Turner said: “I would encourage anyone living on their own, or who is feeling lonely, to come along. So many elderly people live away from their families and are not speaking much with neighbours. In contrast, these get-togethers are wonderful, just the best thing. They get you out of the house, help keep your brain active and you can even have a dance if you want the exercise. The whole atmosphere is friendly. It’s an occasion full of smiles and lovely people.”

Mark Aitchison, Colten Care chief executive, said: “We want to build on our success at Bourne View by introducing similar events for all the communities our homes serve including Wellington Grange.

“We’ve been making contacts with people in Chichester through GP surgeries, churches and community facilities to help promote what we’re doing. We have always worked hard to help elderly people who may be at risk of feeling isolated - it’s not something new for us. But, equally, we know there is increasing awareness of the impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing and so we’ve stepped up our efforts to make a difference.”

Tea & Togetherness takes place at Wellington Grange, Broyle Road, Chichester, PO19 6ED on the first Wednesday of each month, starting on Wednesday, February 5.

Each get-together starts at 2.30pm. For more information call the home on 01243 755200.