This week, we focus on an organisation working to combat loneliness and promote well-being among older people, simply by providing a good hearty meal and a place to meet.
The Club has been running for nearly two years and as Project Coordinator, Winnie Carlson explains, it provides an important and vibrant social hub for its members:
“Loneliness can have serious health impacts for older people, including increased mortality rates, cognitive decline, and depression. We aim to reduce isolation and enhance the mental and physical well-being of members through activities that encourage social interaction, mobility and creativity. Our Silver Lunch Club offers a freshly cooked hot meal alongside games, seated exercise, entertainment, and guest speakers on topics relevant to older people. It is a friendly and welcoming group and many of our members say they look forward to it every week.”
As with many charity projects, the successful running of the Silver Lunch Club relies on the commitment and enthusiasm of a small team of volunteers, as Winnie told us:
“Ageing Well in Lewisham could not function without the help of our valuable volunteers, who assist at our groups and mingle with our members. Not only do our volunteers provide essential hands-on assistance with tasks that need doing, they also bond with the members and add to the personalities of our groups.”
Volunteers can expect to work across a variety of roles, from helping with catering and socialising with members, to calling the occasional game of Bingo! The Club also provides opportunities for them to develop skills and experience as Winnie explained.
“Ageing Well has a close relationship with our volunteers. We want them to be fulfilled and to gain meaningful experience. We offer training when possible in areas related to the work our charity does.”
Jacky Dempsey has been volunteering for the charity for over a year. She told us why she decided to get involved:
“I wanted to be a volunteer to get experience and help people who otherwise would be by themselves. Also to gain knowledge for my ongoing training as a Referral Trainer, to help people with health conditions.”
Volunteering for the project has enabled Jacky to apply her outside training and to gain valuable practical experience, through the leading of gentle exercise sessions for members and practicing teaching techniques, as she works towards further qualifications. She told us what she enjoys most about her role:
“We always have a good laugh and I feel close to members. I find it rewarding to help in the community. Ageing Well in Lewisham really does go above and beyond to bring joy to members.”
The Club is always keen to hear from would-be volunteers who are outgoing and adaptable with great communication skills. Importantly they should also share a commitment to the charity’s ethos of promoting the rights, equality, dignity, opportunity and inclusion of older people from diverse backgrounds. As Jacky explains there are many good reasons to get involved:
“The benefits are being with nice people, the social side and gaining experience. Since I became a volunteer I have grown in confidence. I have enjoyed learning from other volunteers and chatting to our members.”
As for advice to would-be volunteers, Jacky had this to say:
“I would really recommend the experience as it is so rewarding. I have made friends and it's nice to see members happy and enjoying themselves.”
Visit Ageing Well in Lewisham website for more information about their services.
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