Good Neighbours Service lunches

We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders in Thanet and Folkestone. To join our fantastic service to combat loneliness and isolation visit our Good Neighbours Service page.

Volunteer Maggie shares how she and fellow volunteer Linda organise social lunches for befrienders and befriendees of our Good Neighbours Service in Thanet. Thank you Maggie and Linda!

My name is Maggie and myself and fellow volunteer Linda organise lunch get togethers about once a month in Thanet – Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate. We try to alternate the venues, so that users and helpers can get to the restaurants easily and locations are usually near public transport. 

We visit or contact the venue to make sure they are open, have good access and space for about 20 guests and collect menus. Sometimes, we are able to negotiate special deals, for example, this week, at the Gardeners Retreat, Ramsgate Garden Centre, we received a complimentary pudding for each of our diners. It was delicious and free!   

After the date and venue are arranged, Linda and myself contact each of the befrienders and / or clients to give them the information. Then, a few days before the event, we check back with restaurant to give them ‘final’ numbers, any special dietary requests and the meal choices, if possible. 

On the day, we arrive early and make sure the table and chairs are comfortable, set out with space around for walking aids and wheelchairs. Then we have a lovely lunch and plenty of chatter and a good catch up.