Every time you shop with Kindness and Co, you’re helping fund the people who bring connection and comfort to those who need it most. People like Bev Owen, a devoted volunteer at the charity Re-engage in Northwich, Cheshire, who’s been running tea parties for isolated older guests since 2017.
Keeping the tea party tradition in the family
Not only has Bev encouraged her husband, Alan, an electronics engineer, and daughter Jess, to get involved with the social events in Northwich, Cheshire, she’s even bought a tea set and trolley for her 18-month-old granddaughter.
“You can’t start them too early!”, said Bev. “I just love getting involved with the tea parties and so do my family. We have made so many friends and the other volunteers have built some really good relationships. They are incredibly important to our older guests, who rarely get much company.”
Bev, who joined Re-engage after seeing the 1 Million Minutes appeal on ITV (asking the public to donate their time to a charity of their choice) has helped organise more than 50 tea parties.
Making sure everyone’s included
Bev says: “Keeping in touch with our guests is particularly important because we have a lot of villages nearby which are pretty remote and where there are restricted bus services. So you can imagine how isolated our older guests might feel.”
Alan and Jess are both volunteer drivers.
“We were short of drivers at one point so I suggested they might want to help out. And they did, without question, and both really enjoy it,” added Bev.
Bringing smiles to people’s faces
“Our guests are always upbeat when they come to a tea party because it’s a rare chance to socialise and just be themselves. They often comment about how much they love being together and it's just such a lovely atmosphere they feel they can relax and enjoy themselves.
“We get amazing feedback at each tea party - guests and volunteers all leave with a smile on their face. What better way to spend an afternoon?"
Thanks to generous donations from customers like you, Bev and her family (through Re-engage) are able to create joyful spaces where laughter, friendship and a proper cup of tea make all the difference. Your Kindness and Co purchases help keep moments like these alive, one cake slice, cup of tea and conversation at a time.
Engage with Re-engage
Tea parties are just one of the activities Re-engage provides. Learn more about the charity and how it tackles loneliness by bringing generations together.
