Residents and staff at Bupa’s Seabrooke Manor Residential and Nursing Home, in Ilford, are preparing to join nationwide celebrations for Communi-tea Week.

The campaign, which runs from today to Sunday, features over 300 homes across the UK using tea-themed events to help highlight problems of isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

A recent report by national charity WRVS claimed that 22 per cent of older people in the UK feel lonely due to the fragmented nature of modern family life.

Siobhan Drane, Bupa Care Homes’ Community Partnerships manager said: “Loneliness amongst older people living on their own is far too common as they struggle to get around as easily and become more dependent on others visiting.”

To mark Communi-tea Week, Seabrooke Manor will be hosting a special 50s & 60s themed tea party on Wednesday from 2pm.

Older people living in the area are invited to come along and members of the local church and youth groups will also be in attendance.

Nelly Sooben, home manager, said: “Everyone knows that there is nothing better than a friendly ‘cuppa’ to bring people together and our residents and local community are no exception.

“So we want as many people as possible to come along, have a good time, and make new friends over a brew and a piece of cake.”

For further information on Seabrooke Manor’s tea party please contact Christina Clements 0208 553 5538.