Buckie charity bidding to tackle loneliness seeks more volunteers

A Buckie group working to tackle loneliness in the community’s older generation is appealing for local volunteers.

Charity Re-engage is at the forefront of combating social isolation among the over 75s and is hoping to strengthen its band of North East volunteers with more local hosts and drivers.

Re-engage’s vision is a world where no-one is too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction and every month it helps isolated older people engage with others in their community, mainly through informal Sunday afternoon tea parties.

The events are usually held at a local host’s home where small groups of guests can enjoy a couple of hours of tea, company and conversation. Volunteer drivers chauffeur the guests to and from the gatherings, eliminating any transport worries for those who have difficulty getting out and about.

Hosts are only asked to open their homes for the afternoon two or three times a year. Drivers are expected to devote a few hours one Sunday a month to their transport duties.

Denise Robson, the charity’s development officer for the area, says: 'For anyone new to volunteering, this is an ideal way to start contributing to your local community'

'The time commitment is relatively small but we can guarantee the rewards of seeing the enjoyment our guests get out of the events are huge'

'It really doesn’t take much effort to totally transform the life of an older person who may not have seen anyone socially all week'

'Unfortunately one of our gatherings could be the only event on someone's social calendar that month'

To find out more about becoming a guest of or volunteer for Re-engage in Buckie contact Denise Robson at or on 01542 285010.

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