Event for Clacton and Brightlingsea elderly residents to combat isolation

Silver Sunday, first launched as a local campaign to tackle loneliness, has morphed into a national occasion where people of all generations come together.

During the packed-schedule event, designed to combat isolation, older people will be encouraged to engage in fun and free activities.

In a bid to localise the day, Home Instead, a care company operating in Clacton, Frinton, and Walton, has now announced two events of its own.

Together with two local charities, the care service has organised for a tea party to be hosted at Tendring Eldercare, in Clacton between 10am and 12pm.

It will offer everything from cream teas to tasty hot drinks and give elderly residents the chance to socialise with other people.

Then, during the afternoon, residents in Brightlingsea will be getting together for a party at the Community Centre, organised by The Autumn Centre and Home Instead.

Guests will receive delicious tea and cakes and will have the opportunity to dance to the sounds of Bobby Francis.

Representatives from Age Concern will also be attending to promote the befriending services and dementia-friendly training the charity provides all the year round.

Silver Sunday is organised by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a charity which works to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older people.

According to Age UK, more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

Silver Sunday founder, Lady Christabel Flight, therefore, has encouraged as many local people to get involved in the event as possible.

She said: “Some people don’t like to admit they’re feeling lonely and Silver Sunday is a positive way to do something about it by meeting new people.

“You’re never too old to try something new and Silver Sunday is the perfect opportunity.”

To find out more about Silver Sunday, which takes place on October 3, visit silversunday.org.uk or homeinstead.co.uk.