Edinburgh to Host Giant Tea Party to Mark Older People’s Week

Pagoda PR

September 26, 2008

Scotland

Hundreds of elderly people are to gather at Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh, on Wednesday (Oct 1) for a giant SuperJam Tea Party as part of the Jam Packed Full of Life Event organised by SuperJam, Edinburgh Leisure and Edinburgh City Council to celebrate Older People’s Week. 

Around 100 SuperJam Tea Parties, organised by SuperJam boss 19-year-old Fraser Doherty and charity Contact The Elderly, are set to take place across the UK throughout the Week (October 1 to 5), including one in London which is expected to attract over 100 guests. All Tea Parties are also supported by the ethical tea company Today Was Fun.

The Jam Packed Full of Life event is expected to attract 500 guests. It will include gentle exercise classes provided by Edinburgh Leisure as well as a health fayre where over 40 exhibitors can offer tips and advice on wellbeing, service and activities for older people. 

The SuperJam Tea Party in the afternoon will include a knitathon which, once completed will supply blankets to an orphanage in central India. Entertainment will be provided by various musical acts, and every participant will receive a free goodie bag for taking part in the ‘knitathon’.

Fraser Doherty made headlines last year when he became the youngest ever supplier to Waitrose’s network of UK food stores, with his range of healthy jams. He now supplies many other retailers and this summer launched SuperJam Tea Parties to give isolated or housebound older people the chance to socialise at local community centres over tea and scones. 

The SuperJam Tea Party initiative is supported by The John Lewis Partnership in Scotland - Waitrose are donating tea and cakes, while John Lewis will supply wool for the all the events – and is backed by Edinburgh Council.

Speaking on behalf of the John Lewis Partnership, David Lincoln, Branch Manager of Waitrose Morningside said how pleased they were to be supporting the SuperJam Tea Parties and Older People’s Week: 

He said, “Like Fraser, Waitrose is keen to support those in our local communities that need a helping hand. We’re sure that these Tea Parties will take off in a big way and that they will make a real difference to the elderly.”

Hannah MacRae, Health Development Officer for Older People, at Edinburgh Leisure, said:

“The secret to feeling better and living longer is staying active – and it’s never too late to start! All it takes is finding an activity and programme that works and sticking to it, which is where we can help.

“With such a diverse range of activities and exhibitors on offer, we’re confident of having something for everyone – be that they’ve got the exercise bug already or they’re simply looking to take those first steps back into a more active, healthier lifestyle.

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Fraser once more, having hosted a fantastic SuperJam party here earlier this year. It’s a great way to mark Older People’s week here in Edinburgh and allows older people to get together and socialise with friends and family.” 

Fraser’s childhood memories led to the idea behind the Super Jam Tea Parties. He was inspired by his gran – the one who gave him the secret recipe that has led to his success – and her work with housebound older people. The pair used to visit isolated elderly in their local neighbourhood with scones and jam to spend time chatting with them.

Fraser Doherty said, “I have my gran to thank for the SuperJam recipes, without which I wouldn’t be running a successful business, but all too often we forget the contribution older people make to our society.

“These larger events to mark Older People’s Week will raise awareness of Super Jam Tea Parties – the ultimate aim is for them to take place across Scotland year-round as a way of tackling the isolation and loneliness the elderly often experience.”

Fraser hopes that the concept may eventually develop to include tea dances for older people. A team of volunteers are helping to make the Tea Parties go with a swing. 

Val Crookston, Scotland Executive Officer, Contact the Elderly, said,

“It is great to be involved in celebrating UK Older People’s Day with Fraser in Edinburgh. We want to make lots of people aware of the isolation amongst older people and how something as simple and fun as a tea party can help to reduce this. We hope this event will inspire many more people to get involved and help reach those most isolated and lonely.”

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