A NEW initiative for the over 65s to meet others while enjoying a hot drink and a bite to eat is set to be launched.
The McCarthy Stone Foundation will begin its Welcome Wednesdays initiative in partnership with community cafés in Bournemouth and Poole in March.
The foundation is a grant giving charity that supports grassroots charities that help older people.
It is connected to retirement living developer McCarthy Stone, based in Bournemouth, and gave 171 grants nationwide totalling £339,160 in 2023.
But the foundation has decided it wants to support the community further by organising its own initiatives to support the nation’s older communities.
The first Welcome Wednesday event will be held on March 13 at the Winton Park Café, in conjunction with The Parks Foundation.
Those attending can enjoy a jacket potato with a range of toppings, salad, a hot drink and biscuits, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
The second event will be held at the Hub on the Heath community café in Canford Heath on March 20, also between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Soup, sandwiches and a hot drink will be available, with the sessions, run by McCarthy Stone volunteers, aiming to bring together local people over the age of 65.
Both events will be monthly, and there are plans to launch another Welcome Wednesday in Boscombe in the coming months.
The foundation hopes that it will eventually roll out this initiative across the country, starting in towns and cities where it has large offices.
“The foundation is constantly working to do more to support older people, who are such an important and valued part of our community, both here in BCP and across the country,” said Graeme Marsh, head of McCarthy Stone Foundation.
“Alongside a grant programme that helps thousands of older people and grassroots groups every year, Welcome Wednesdays will build partnerships with valuable community hubs and enable our colleagues at McCarthy Stone to put their employer-supported volunteering time to use in their local area.
“By keeping these sessions informal and relaxed, we hope that everyone in the community over 65 who might like to come along, will feel assured of a warm welcome and a friendly face.”
There is no need to book to attend the Welcome Wednesday events.
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