Frequently asked Questions

Where do I find the nearest group to me?

See our locations page. If you find there is nothing near to you contact us anyway - we could set up a new group!

I would love to come to an afternoon tea but I need help to get down my steps. I have also become a bit nervous about meeting new people.

Don't worry - I will come to see you and discuss what help you need. You will be allocated a driver who will ring you a couple of days before the afternoon tea to agree a time and check that you still want to come. You will have the same driver every month and will soon get to know the other members of the group.

What sort of people are you looking for to volunteer?

People of all ages who have a sympathy for the elderly and would like to help them, who are able to make a commitment in terms of time and energy if they are group coordinators; car drivers need to have a few hours to spare once a month; and hosts need to be able to provide a warm welcome and afternoon tea for their guests once (or maybe twice) a year.

What sort of skills do you need to volunteer?

You need to be a safe and careful driver. Good social skills help - being able to chat and listen with interest - and have a sense of humour. If you're a group coordinator than you'd need to be a good organiser and communicator.

Are volunteers insured?

All volunteers are covered by Public and Employee Liability insurance whilst involved with the work of the charity.

Do you pay expenses?

We are an entirely voluntary charity. Though we would like to be able to pay expenses we could neither afford to do so nor could we cope with the administration of paying approximately 1500 drivers nationwide. The charity has only a small Head Office. Area Organisers, however, who look after several groups in their locality, can claim out-of-pocket expenses, such as postage and telephone costs.

Where do you get your funding?

Funding is obtained from Trusts, Legacies, Corporate and Company funds, Donations and a small grant from the Department of Health.

Who benefits from Contact?

Generally speaking, they are people who are:

• well past retirement age (late 70's or older)
• living alone with limited, inadequate or no family support
• having difficulty, for various reasons (ranging from disability to lack of confidence), in getting out of their home
• relatively isolated and lonely

When hosting a party, how much food and drink should I provide when I arrange a party?

We generally offer a cup of tea to each person when then arrive. Sometime during the next hour, you may like to offer them another drink. It is easiest if the members can sit at a table for the afternoon tea - if that is not possible, side tables are useful. Normally I allow 2 rounds of sandwiches for each guest and make about 3 different cakes.

Am I expected to help with personal care - going to the bathroom?

It is important that you have a ground floor toilet. People may need some help getting there, but let them advise you. There will be others there to help and you are not on your own.

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