Combatting loneliness at Christmas for senior citizens

Tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, one tea party at a time… How LCC teamed up with Posh Club to stage festive events for local senior citizens.

Old age can be very lonely. More than two million people in the UK over the age of 75 live by themselves. Some have little or no family; many go for days and weeks without speaking to friends or neighbours.

In an ageing society, the issue of social isolation is only likely to worsen, but there are charities, community groups and other organisations determined to tackle the problem.

One of these is Posh Club, which bills itself as ‘a glamorous performance and social club for older people’. It is especially keen to get those living alone to come along to its events, stating on its website that it ‘extends a particularly warm welcome to those attending on their own and will ensure that you are supported to feel comfortable and included at all times.’

For two consecutive years, Posh Club partnered with London College of Communication to stage Christmas parties in LCC’s studio space at the Elephant and Castle’ shopping centre.

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Photographer Unai Mateo Lopez

Christmas is a time of year which can emphasise feelings of loneliness and isolation for people of all ages. Yet, as families come together and friends celebrate the festive season as an excuse to get a spiced latte from their local Starbucks, senior citizens living alone are often left with shadows of the past – memories of loved ones who are no longer here. 

Posh Club was started off in a front room in Crawley by two siblings, Annie and Simon Casson, for their mum who was feeling a bit lonely after moving to Sussex from vibrant Hackney in London.  

Simon recalled: “For a special treat, Annie decided to hold a tea party in her front room for mum and her ninety-something neighbours Esther and Frieda – to serve them nice sandwiches and cakes on fancy crockery. 

The ladies had fun chatting and eating and being served like they were important guests.  They discussed their more social early years before they were married, and especially the dances and variety shows.”

From these small beginnings, the club was able to expand to a local church hall, and is active in five different locations across London and the South East. 

Simon Casson, who acts as a producer for Posh Club’s performances, said the aim is always to stage its events in “in the heart of the community, in elegantly-transformed church halls and other grass roots spaces”. That is why LCC’s Studio, in the shopping centre just across the road from the college, lent itself to being a great venue for Posh Club’s festive treats.

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Posh Club’s parties can involve drag artists, flapper dancers, a black Elvis and even an 80-year-old American comedian. At the start of the event, everyone is welcomed by a host and taken to their table where they are served afternoon tea. Entertainment for the guests has been curated in such a way that anyone would like to be a part of this swanky senior citizen club.

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Despite many of the 100+ guests arriving alone, people quickly become acquainted, with laughter and conversations being sparked almost immediately. Posh Club gives elderly people a chance to meet people from all walks of life and create new friendships, with the possibility of staying in touch after the event is over.  

Groups such as Posh Club not only aim to combat issues related to mental health and isolation, but they also help communities to maintain their sense of identity.  With Posh Club events now being held in Crawley, Hackney, Hastings, Brighton and Elephant & Castle, why not volunteer? It could really help someone…

Photos courtesy of Unai Mateo Lopez, LCC and Posh Club.