BUPA AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNI-TEA

The event is part of a giant nationwide tea party to tackle the issue of the isolation and loneliness of many older people, with hundreds of care homes and thousands of residents inviting their local communities through the door to pull up a chair and get together over a cuppa.

And BUPA's Ancaster Court Nursing Home is taking the lead by holding a special tea party and a musical sing-along, to toast the tea-themed week and welcome those older people who live locally.

According to the charity Help the Aged, over one million older people feel isolated in their own homes, while research suggests that television is the main source of company for nearly half of all over-65s.

BUPA's Communi-tea Week wants to reach out to these people and give them the opportunity to meet others through a simple, friendly cup of tea.

Alison Sowerby, home manager at Ancaster Court Nursing Home, said: "Being part of the local community is hugely important to our residents, so we're really looking forward to our visitors' arrival for a good old sing-along and to share in our Communi-Tea Week party."

Communi-tea Week has been organised by BUPA Care Homes with the support of BUPA Community Connections. The hundreds of tea parties, tea tasting and tea dances have also received the generous sponsorship of Tetley and McVities.

Director of BUPA Care Homes, Dean Cowley, said: "Our care homes are at the heart of the community, a place where older people who live alone can come and meet new friends.

"A cup of tea is the perfect excuse to get together and the events of Communi-tea Week provide the opportunity to celebrate the communities we live in."

Members of the public wishing to attend the event, which starts at 14:00 on Monday 16 April, should contact Elaine MacDonald on 01424 213532.