Cuppas and conversations, dancing and dining – there was something for everyone as volunteers from British Land and Bridgepoint supported activities for local older people as part of Silver Sunday, a national day celebrating older people held on or around the first Sunday in October.
Tea, cake and conversation with Bridgepoint volunteers at St John’s Hospice
On 3 October, at St John’s Hospice, a team of employee volunteers from Bridgepoint ran a coffee morning in its Wellbeing Centre, serving up hot drinks, croissants and cakes along with conversation, board games and crossword puzzles.
A few guests toured the gardens to take in some fresh air while also checking on progress of the vegetables and experiencing the wildlife and insects on display.
St John’s Hospice provides quality holistic care to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. All of its care is completely free of charge and available to anyone affected in the community regardless immigration status or having no fixed abode.
The Wellbeing Centre can be a lifeline for many patients, some of who are provided transport to and from the site, in order to socialise with new faces, as well as receiving peer support from others facing similar experiences.
On 7 October, employee volunteers from British Land, a real estate and development company based at York House, and Sowga, its engineering maintenance company, served up an afternoon tea for 50 local older people at Age UK’s Get Up and Dance event at the Beethoven Centre in Queen’s Park.
The team of five volunteers also encouraged participants to get active by joining them in a dance class. On the playlist getting everyone moving were hits such as Cha Cha Slide, YMCA and songs from Bollywood.
The event was attended by Lady Christabel Flight, the founder of Silver Sunday, who paid tribute to the efforts of volunteers who help make these activities possible.
Age UK Westminster is an independent charity which empowers older people across the borough to understand their rights and lead more fulfilling and socially active lives. According to Age UK research:
- Nearly a million older people often feel lonely
- 24% say the TV or radio is their main source of company
- 12% of older people never leave their home for a social event
Dancing was on the menu at Age UK
Afternoon tea of sandwiches, pastries, cakes and fruits at the Beethoven Centre
British Land employee volunteers and Age UK staff joined by Lady Christabel Flight (centre), the founder of Silver Sunday
The activities were part of Marble Arch BID’s Community Programme which supports its business members to engage in employee volunteering to address a diverse range of community need. We provide solutions to our member’s CSR/ESG commitments by sourcing, brokering and facilitating meaningful local volunteering opportunities.
From team challenges to skill-sharing to mentoring, there is something to suit every community engagement plan that creates memorable moments and sustainable impact.
If you are a Marble Arch BID member and would like to find out more about the wide range of employee volunteering opportunities, please contact community@marble-arch.london
