Tea, coffee and a chat for older residents
Allenton Big Local funds regular activities for older and isolated residents in the area, including coffee mornings and trips out. The activity is delivered with the help of volunteers from The Alvaston Residents Association (TARA), including our own Chair, Edith Lang.
Edith said: “We’ve had varying degrees of success with activities but, in the main, they have been very positive and grow increasingly successful as more people hear about what’s on offer and come along on a regular basis. We can provide transport for those residents that need it.”
Recently, the coffee mornings have been supported by STEPS, the organisation that will run the café at St Martin’s Community Centre once the refurbishment of the building has been completed. The STEPS project has joined the Slaney Close coffee mornings while they await completion of the facilities at the community centre. STEPS provides opportunities for adult learners with special needs to gain experience of life and work skills. The learners help out by taking requests for teas and coffees and then make the drinks for the residents attending the coffee morning.
Other activities organised by TARA and funded by Allenton Big Local have included an outing to the National Memorial Arboretum, which was enjoyed by everyone who made the trip. In November, the group is planning a trip to the “Follies” in conjunction with Alvaston Carers.
The coffee mornings are held between 10am and 12noon at Slaney Close Community Room on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the month and at Handyside Court, Rowena Close on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday in the month there is no coffee morning held.
Elderly and isolated residents in the Allenton Big Local area are welcome to join in with the activities and come along for company, friendship and a good chat.
