I just wanted to clarify re Age Concern/Age UK etc. I'm currently the secretary at Age Concern Chiswick. We are a small independent charity, linked to Age UK which is the umbrella charity formed when Help the Aged and Age Concern merged a few years ago. If you are interested in volunteering in a befriending role, then your best bet is to contact Age UK Hounslow or Age UK Ealing - check their websites. Because we at Chiswick are ALL volunteers - and there are not enough of us by any means - we are unable to run any outreach services. We do however fulfil what we believe is a very valuable role: twice a week people can come to our Friendship Club on Oxford Road North, W4 4DN (behind Carfax Court flats) where we offer them light refreshments at highly subsidised prices, very popular bingo sessions,a keep fit class and a craft group, as well as the most important aspect which is a quiet, very friendly place for a chat. We also hold special events from time to time, such as Christmas lunches, tea dances and regular outings. We also have a beautiful garden which our members really appreciate - maintained by our trusty volunteers.
Michael Sterne, mentioned by Philippa Bond, has sadly just died. He was a tremendous supporter over many years. His wife, Pat, is however still our very active treasurer: we could not do without her.
I can assure you that any donations to Age Concern Chiswick (charity number 1047924) would directly help us in our work to support the elderly in Chiswick and Brentford. And if anyone is interested in volunteering with us, or would like to join, do please get in touch. We don't have a website (maybe you have the skills to set one up for us?!)but you can email ageconcernchiswick@talktalk.net, or call us on 020 8742 7007. Or just pop in on a Monday or Thursday between 11am and 3.30pm. I look forward to hearing from you. |