As village charity HI Friends launches its latest community initiative, Sarah Nalden and Helen Blake chat to local treasure Nan – one of the first people to enjoy “Tea and a Chat” in her own home as part of this new service.
As we get older, life can become more sedate. Partners and friends are gradually lost in the passage of time and, for those who suffer added complications of mobility, the world can begin to feel like a lonely place. Seeing someone for a friendly chat can really make a positive impact on their day.
Tea and Chat was conceived by HI Friends’ staff with the aim of ensuring that older people who can no longer join local social clubs due to mobility issues or loss of confidence, can still retain some social interaction. In short, it’s a great opportunity to have a good old natter with a friend.
Meet Nan
Nan is 98 and, in the past few months, her back has been causing her to become less mobile and independent. She gave up driving when she retired but has always remained active and enjoyed walking. Until earlier this year she used to walk into the village every day using her walker and would even walk nearly a mile to the HI Friends Lunch Club once or twice a week, only using the minibus for the return journey.
Getting out and about in the community helped Nan retain her fitness and independence but, most importantly, it helped her maintain the social contact she loves. Sadly her back complaint means now that getting out on her walker is a struggle. Her daughter gives her lifts when she can, but Nan is keen to remain as independent as possible.
A life well lived
Originally from Darlington a 13-year-old Nan, and her younger brother went on the two-week journey by boat to Canada, as part of the WW2 government evacuation scheme. They lived with their aunt who they had never met before, and Nan enjoyed school life in her new home.
Then at the age of 18 Nan set sail back to the UK. Terrifyingly, the convoy of boats they were travelling in was targeted, and the boat in front of hers was blown up by enemy forces and sunk. Fortunately, the boat Nan was on managed to reach the UK safely, and she was able to travel home to re-acquaint herself with her mother – she had left the country a child and returned as an adult.
She went to college and trained to become a primary school teacher. She met her husband, a headmaster, got married and settled into family life.
Zest for life
Twelve years ago, now sadly widowed, Nan relocated to Histon to be close to her daughter. Nan managed to run her house independently despite developing macular degeneration, cataracts, and hearing loss. Nowadays, she has support for an hour or so in the mornings to help her get started with the day and her daughter orders grocery shopping for her along with pre-made nutritious dinners that she can put in the microwave.
Nan enjoys music, played the piano and was part of a choir. Always the social butterfly, she would visit care homes and play for the elderly. She even occasionally played for HI Friends’ participants. When she became no longer able to see the keys to play, she donated her piano to HI Friends so that others could continue to enjoy it.
Despite all these setbacks, Nan’s zest for life stays strong. And, now that walking is more difficult, Nan is a prime candidate for Tea & Chat which will help her overcome the feelings of isolation from her friends and the community she loves.
Sharing her joy she reveals, “joining HI Friends is the best thing I ever did!”
If you know someone who would benefit from the companionship of a home visit, get in touch. HI Friends volunteers are on hand to help combat loneliness – one cuppa at a time.
To book a Tea & Chat, please contact Helen: 07394 173430 helen@hifriends.org.uk. The fee for each visit is £17.50 based on a 50-minute stay.
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