Member Article

Christmas Tea Party Celebrates Stockton’s Elderly

OVER 140 elderly people and carers joined together at Preston Park Museum and Grounds for the The ’Cup of Festive Kindness’ tea party.

The event was one of the largest collaborations of service providers to join together in Stockton, with a mutual aim of promoting social inclusion for the elderly at Christmas.

Castlegate Shopping Centre launched the campaign in October as part of its recognised community commitment and asked members of the public, businesses and organisations to get involved with food donations for local food banks and to support a tea party for the elderly.

“We have had an amazing day. People have been incredibly kind and we have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity, both from partners who are supporting the tea party and members of the public who have donated food and toiletries for Billingham/Stockton Food Bank,” comments Castlegate’s Acting Manager Tracey Surtees.

The vintage style tea party, with live entertainment from yester-year and party food, saw Stockton’s Mayor welcome guests who enjoyed songs and music from the 1930s onwards, bingo and raffle.

The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “This has been an excellent way to support the elderly in the area. It is an excellent campaign which has seen a variety of business and organisations come together and offer guests a festive time.”

Travel and coach company Compass Royston supported the campaign providing free transport for the guests and partners Preston Park Museum & Grounds, Greggs, Marks & Spencer’s and Yorkshire Bank supported with items and volunteers for the tea party.

Tracey Surtees adds: “I would like to thank the many people who have helped to make the tea party a great success including our partners, entertainers Phil Donegan, Paul Frost and Val Hill. The Cup of Festive Kindness Tea Party has been a wonderful way for Stockton’s elderly to get together and make new friendships.

“Without the support of the many businesses and organisations we would not be able to deliver such a large scale event. The Cup of Festive Kindness tea party has been a great way to offer a day of laugher and fun” concludes Tracey Surtees.

Service providers who support the elderly and attended the event, included; The Royal British Legion, Age UK, North Star Housing Group, LiveWell Dementia Hub, Thirteen Group, Stockton Borough Council Social Services, Hand in Care Support, Hardwick in Partnership and Wellburn House.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chantal Taylor .