A VOLUNTEER ‘young at heart’ group has celebrated its 10-year anniversary by throwing a party for all members.

The club, which was started in 2014 by Lloyd and Diana Yorke, aims to tackle isolation and loneliness among older people in the Wellington and Mid Devon area. The group meets at the Burlescombe Community Hall.

The club offers older people the chance to get out and talk to people, and to escape daily monotony.

It creates an opportunity for new friendships to blossom and for people to feel a sense of belonging within their communities.

Lloyd and Diana said: “It has been a very rewarding 10 years for us. We have had to cope with a few challenges on the way, the most difficult was the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The pandemic had an impact on all of us and some local day services closed their doors and never re-opened. However, we saw this as an opportunity to create new services to keep in touch with club members during lockdown. 

“We created a monthly newsletter where members contributed photos and personal stories. We also started a ‘ChitChat’ phone service each week, where members could phone a free phone number and all chat together for an hour or so each week”. 

Impressively, over the last decade, the club has helped more than 150 members which adds up to 65 thousand hours of relief from isolation and loneliness.

Club members enjoy a variety of activities such as new age curling, skittles, golf, bowls, darts, basketball, craftwork, and musical entertainers. 

Members also receive a two-course lunch and refreshments.

Lloyd and Diana added: “We are immensely proud of the club we started in 2014 and never dreamt it would prove to be so popular. 

“The best part of the job is meeting such wonderful older people in our community. It has been very hard work and without doubt, we could not have achieved this without the wonderful volunteers and everyone else who has supported us.” 

For more information on the club, call 07704 040 399 or visit their website at www.youngatheartclub.co.uk.