We are proud to be one of three partners of Chain Reaction. We work in a creative and person-centred way to support older people to live independently in the community. This includes one-to-one personalised support and connecting people to their community, to others, and to a network of natural support.
Throughout lockdown, Chain Reaction supported many of the most vulnerable people in our community by delivering shopping and vital prescriptions, offering telephone befriending services, and delivering wellbeing boxes.
Now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, the team is excited to be able to host in-person events once again.
To celebrate Older Person’s Month, Chain Reaction held an event each week. There was a ‘Painting for Fun’ art exhibition at the City Library, a coffee and brunch morning at Hazlerigg community centre, and a tour of the Discovery Museum and discussion with museum staff. And of course, their final event was the afternoon tea. Chain Reaction secured funding from Newcastle Building Society to help put on these events.
Michelle Ree, Chain Reaction Team Lead, explains that
‘This was the first time at a group for a couple of the ladies, it was lovely to see everyone having a great time’.
One of their first in-person events was an afternoon tea at Gosforth All Saints Church, which was a huge success!
The guests enjoyed an array of sandwiches, cakes, and cups of tea – there were even leftovers to take home for supper! The team also organised a raffle and interactive card game, while a singer provided the afternoon’s entertainment.
It was clear that Chain Reaction’s guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves, with many even taking to the dance floor!
Judith, one of the ladies who attended the afternoon tea, explained that these events give her ‘A real boost’.
Judith also chatted to us about Chain Reaction’s other activities, such as their regular walking groups in Chopwell Wood. Judith explains that, for her, ‘The woods have a calming, healing effect’. Judith loves her outings to Chopwell Wood and especially enjoyed the activities arranged for the group there, including fire building and archery!
Sandra Donkin, Community and Wellbeing Services Service Manager, said that
‘It really was lovely to see people out and about enjoying themselves after what has been a really difficult time for so many people’.
We look forward to the next Chain Reaction event!