Steph Hutchings organises free monthly tea parties for those aged 75 and over through charity Re-engage

An Enfield volunteer described as a “fantastic mother hen” has been recognised for her dedication to helping lonely older people in the area.

Steph Hutchings organises free monthly tea parties for those aged 75 and over and has been volunteering for charity Re-engage for eight years – winning the hearts of older people who attend her social events.

She was one of twelve chosen from nearly 100 nominations to receive a £250 Marsh Award, a scheme run by The Marsh Charitable Trust which supports small charities and individuals working for social, cultural and environmental causes.

Emily Mangroves, head of volunteering at Re-engage, said: “All of our thousands of volunteers do an exceptional job. But this year’s Marsh Awards winners have gone the extra mile to help reduce loneliness among our older people.

“They have shown extraordinary dedication and it’s humbling to hear just how generous, kind and helpful they have been.”

Fellow volunteer Ruth Moore said: “Steph has a deep and caring relationship with every member of the group, making sure they never feel lonely.”

Stella Petty, one of the older residents who attends the social gatherings organised by Steph, said: “We all love her so much. She invites us all for Christmas dinner and always works tirelessly on our behalf. I have no family of my own but now I belong to the Re-engage family.”

Re-engage is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. The charity fights to reduce loneliness among those aged 75 and over and runs tea parties, activity groups and call befriending services throughout the country.

The Enfield and Southgate group run by Steph has around ten older people who attend the tea parties, including 99-year-old Barbara Southerland, who worked for the famous Bletchley Park code-breaking station during the Second World War.

“I couldn’t imagine life without the tea parties,” said Steph. “I don’t really see it as a group meeting – we are friends and family. Everyone gets on and it’s just such a lovely thing when we all get together.”

David Booker, ambassador for the Marsh Charitable Trust, added: “It’s a pleasure to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things, not for money but for the love of helping people.”

Sign up to volunteer for Re-engage:
Visit: reengage.org.uk/volunteer

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