Residents of Bupa care homes in Battersea and Clapham are all set to brew up some community spirit by inviting older people who may be feeling lonely to join them for a friendly cup of tea.

The care homes are taking the lead by hosting a special afternoon tea party as part of plans to mark Communi-tea Week (21 – 27 March 2011), a nationwide campaign which aims to use tea-related social activities to help tackle the problems of isolation and loneliness in older people.

Worrying statistics demonstrate the size of the isolation problem in the UK, with over 1 million (11%) of people aged 65 or over saying they are always or often feel lonely. Nearly half of all older people believe that the television is their main form of company and 17% of older people have less than weekly contact with family, friends and neighbours1.   Michalae Thompson, home manager at Meadbank Nursing Centre in Battersea, which has invited the local school their tea party on Tuesday 22 March from 10am, said, “We’re offering a friendly face to try and help anyone who may be feeling lonely, as there is nothing better than having a natter and putting the world to rights over a cup of tea. Anyone who wants to come and join us will of course be guaranteed a warm welcome.”

Tea-loving residents at Collingwood Court Nursing Centre in Clapham are also raising their mugs in support of the week by hosting their own tea party on Tuesday 22 March from 3pm, whilst Havelock Court Nursing Centre in Stockwell has organised its event on Thursday 24 March from 2.30pm.

Siobhan Drane, Bupa’s community affairs manager, added, “Communi-tea Week is a great way of highlighting the support networks that are available in local communities, as well as raising awareness of the serious issues facing older people today. We’re urging everyone to put on the kettle and contact someone they think may need their spirits lifting – a cup of tea is the perfect way to reach out and make a difference.”

Altogether, over 300 other care homes are organising tea-related social events across the UK, from tea-tasting sessions to tea dances, and inviting thousands of older people living on their own to join them.

Attracting generous sponsorship from Tetley, McVities and Premier Food, this is fifth year that Communi-tea Week has stirred people into action, with Bupa also providing the care homes with tea-tasting tips, advice on how to make the perfect cup of tea and guides on knitting a Communi-tea Week tea cosy.

Anyone wishing to attend an event, or host their own event in Communi-tea Week, can get information about local events and event ideas by contacting the Communi-tea Week hotline on 0845 600 4622 or emailing communi-teaweek@bupa.com.