PICTURES: Evanton social group highly commended by Age Scotland for Easter Ross lunch club work
THE life-enhancing role of voluntary groups providing regular activities for seniors across Ross-shire is yet to recover from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But volunteers who have managed to continue activities such as lunch clubs are making a massive difference in their communities.
One such group in Evanton was highly commended for its efforts in helping to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
READ ALSO
Kiltearn Primary biomass boiler blaze sparks Highland Council probe
Ross-shire newsletter twice a week free to your inbox
Police followed murder accused into Ross-shire before alleged Dornie attack, trial is told
The Evanton Social & Event Group, which organises the lunch club at the Novar Arms, was handed the accolade by Age Scotland, the charity which works to improve the lives of people over the age of 50.
Black Isle based Anne McDonald, who is an Age Scotland national community development officer, and also works with Highland Senior Citizens Network, said the role of such groups cannot be underestimated.
She said: “Groups like the Evanton one meet regularly and for many people it might be the only social activity they have that week. They provide social access and also help to combat loneliness and isolation.
“Lunch clubs often also provide a delicious and nutritious meal. The challenge now is that it is very difficult to find new volunteers to help keep such groups running.
“Some groups that started 40 years ago still have the same volunteers who started them up. As some get older and more frail themselves, it makes it harder for them to continue.
“There’s a similar picture across the Highlands. Covid had a big impact - some people stopped going out then and others have chosen not to do so or have lost their confidence a bit.”
She said research points clearly to the value of social groups bringing people together.
Ms McDonald can point to a number of intergenerational projects - such as one on the Black Isle involving pupils who run groups for seniors - that are real local success stories.
The appeal for fresh blood and new volunteers is a constant challenge as increasingly people are working longer and have less free time and some are taking on other caring roles such as looking after grandchildren.
Age Scotland recently ran well-received ‘How to age well’ workshops across the Highlands.
