The first Big Tea Party, which took place in the Bellfield Centre at Stirling Health and Care Village, was a resounding success.
The event, which was aimed at people aged 55 and over, was supported by a number of organisations. People came along to enjoy a cup of tea, take part in a number of activities, have a chat and meet staff and volunteers from a number of organisations working to improve health and wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Tea, coffee and cakes were served in the Centre’s Social Hub and a wide range of activities took place in the art room. After the event, people had chance to see the poppy display outside the outpatient building and add poppies to several wreaths. The Tea Party was also supported by the Royal Horticultural Society, who planted up teacups and conservation volunteers planted bulbs, for attendees to take home.
Organisations attending included:
- Re-Engage: organise tea parties and call companions for those over 75.
- First Time for Everything: organise a range of activities for those over 55s to give people a chance to try something new, explore different hobbies and refresh existing skills.
- The Conservation Volunteers: run green gyms and organise outdoor conservation activities for all ages.
- Royal Horticultural Society: organise wellbeing activities for all ages.
- Royal Voluntary Service: offer a range of services including recovery support, calls with care and a virtual village hall for people of all ages.
The feedback from the first event was fantastic (a selection of some of the feedback from attendees and event organisers is listed below) and there are plans to organise similar events in the future.
“Caught up with friends I have not seen since before Covid and we had a good blether. If we could bottle the big Tea Party with its good food, great crack and above all good company what a difference it would make to us all having better mental health.” – Eileen Wallace Attendee
“Due to the amazing turnout, there was a great atmosphere in the room with lots of friendly chat. As every member of our party lives alone, this event provided opportunity for valuable social interaction and in some cases, a chance to meet up with old friends or neighbours. It certainly lifted everyone’s spirits and I took home some very happy ladies. Being able to attend the remembrance service at the end of the afternoon was very special and our ladies were delighted to have been invited to assist with laying the wreaths- particularly poignant for the person whose own father had served in the Argyll & Southern Highlanders. We have told all our friends and other group members who are keen to come to the next event. You might need the Albert Halls!” – Angela Samson, Wellbeing Coordinator, Bruce Memorial Church, Cambusbarron
“Wish this was on every week so I have something to look forward to.”- Attendee
“I arrived alone, but I left with friends” – Attendee
“Excellent event, it brought people together. Nice to see old and new faces. Particulalry the two Bellfield residents at our table, laughing and talking with us.” – Attendee
“It was great to see patients from the Bellfield there, it gave them a chance to socialise and feel part of a community event.” – Attendee
“Good to meet up with people I haven’t seen since before covid, bonus was we had good food.” – Attendee
“It was wonderful to have a post stroke patient there who is at the start of their rehabilitation, getting a chance to meet an ex-patient who had come from home to the tea party and is much further on in their rehabilitation journey. It gave our patient such a sense of motivation and hope for the future”. – Occupational Therapist, Bellfield Centre
“What I really liked was that there was a hum and there was a buzz and people were really connecting. It was so noisy because there was so much chatter going on. I know there were Bellfield residents there, but what was great was that they were so integrated you couldn’t differentiate who was from the community and who were patients. As one 99 year old patient said to me on his way out “It’s just great to see so many people.” – Kimberley Gray RVS
