A charity that helps the elderly is to stage a celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Friendship on July 30.
The Isle of Man Live At Home Schemes charity is staging the event for scheme members, volunteers and supporters.
The invitation-only event takes place at a marquee in Tynwald Mills from 2pm to 4pm and features afternoon tea and refreshments, a raffle and musical entertainment from the Southern Belles.
About 700 people are members of the six Isle of Man Live At Home schemes which are run by a team of 12 MHA staff and around 500 volunteers. All the schemes are run by the branch of the UK-based charity MHA, which tries to help ‘older’ people to live independently.
Jo Dixon, MHA area manager for the Isle of Man, said: ‘We all need friendship, but it’s even more important for older adults who can be at greater risk of becoming isolated with fewer opportunities to socialise.
‘Celebrating the International Day of Friendship is the ideal time to show our appreciation to scheme members, volunteers, supporters and friends who help us throughout the year.
‘We must say a big thank you to everyone who has made this event possible, and especially to Tynwald Mills for use of their marquee, Rotary Club of Douglas for sponsoring the event, and Culinary Liberation for the catering.’
Also attending the event will be Isle of Man Live At Home schemes’ chairman, David Gawne MBE; trustees Frank Pattison and Craig Wolstencroft, and committee members Audrey Humphries and Catherine Delaney. Representing the police will be Chief Constable Gary Roberts, Inspector Cathryn Bradley, and members of the community policing team.
The Department of Health and Social Care will be represented by Cath Hayhow, director of adult services. Ellan Vannin Fuels, a company which has shown great support to Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes over the past year, will be represented by Andy Sweetman.
There are five Isle of Man Live At Home schemes – Western, Northern, Onchan, Douglas, Laxey and Lonan. Northern Men in Sheds is the sixth scheme run by the charity.
The scheme’s services include regular social groups, lunch clubs, film clubs, shopping clubs and men’s groups.
They also offer guidance on how older people can access other support services, and run befriending initiatives in which volunteers make regular visits to an older person to have a chat and a cup of tea, providing friendship and company.
To find out more about Isle of Man Live At Home Schemes, phone 616571, email isleofman.liveathome@mha.org.uk or visit the website www.mha.org.uk