Eva is 72 years old and lives in Whitby in North Yorkshire. She worked in a special school in Sutton Coldfield for 19 years and then as a teaching assistant in the Whitby area before finally retiring 12 years ago.  She was also a church warden for 20 years.  We caught up with Eva about why she volunteers for Re-engage and what makes her tick.

How did you first become involved with Re-engage?

I got to know Helen, our Re-engage tea party group coordinator, through a local walking group. Whilst we were out walking one day she mentioned the tea parties and I told her I would love to become a host.  My husband Roger signed up as a volunteer driver at the same time.

What does your role involve?

We hosted our first tea party in the July before lockdown. The guests were lovely, and the spread went down well. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we didn’t host another tea party until November last year, but it was a great success, and the guests were lively and fun to talk to.

What saying to you live by?

“Do as you would be done by”

What makes you get out of bed every morning?

I’m not a morning person, so I’m a bit reluctant about getting up. If there’s somewhere I’ve got to be, I’ll get up and get going. A sunny day helps.

I am quite a busy person and I love to give my time to help others. Roger and I deliver dinners for the Trinity Centre, a day centre for older people in Whitby, once a week. We’re both part of the Patient Group at our local GP surgery and we deliver prescriptions to the housebound and help with marshalling for Covid booster jabs. I also volunteer one day a week at a local school where I help out with whatever needs doing; working with the children, getting things ready for lessons – the list goes on.

I also enjoy going to a Tai chi class, which I’ve been doing for over 10 years.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering?

If you are thinking of volunteering to be a tea party host, I’d encourage you to give it a go. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and it does help people feel less lonely.