Elder Support – Practical Help for Seniors at Holy Family Church

Our parish believes that seniors deserve respect, friendship, and real help. If you’re looking for ways to support older neighbours, you’ve come to the right spot. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of what we do, why it matters, and how you can jump in.

What We Offer

First off, we run a weekly coffee morning just for elders. It’s a relaxed setting where they can chat, share stories, and enjoy a cup of tea. We also have a transport service that picks up seniors who can’t get to Mass or community events. The driver is a volunteer, and the schedule is posted on our notice board.

Our prayer group meets every Thursday and welcomes anyone who wants to pray for older family members. The group is small, so everyone gets a chance to speak and feel heard. Alongside prayer, we hand out practical information about local health services, benefits, and how to apply for senior discounts.

For those who need a bit more assistance, our outreach team does home visits. A team of two volunteers checks in, helps with grocery runs, and brings a friendly face. They also flag any urgent needs to the parish council, which can arrange additional help like cleaning or minor repairs.

How You Can Get Involved

Want to volunteer? It’s simple. Sign up at the church office or send us a quick email. We need drivers, coffee‑morning helpers, and people for the home‑visit team. No special skills are required – just a caring attitude and a willingness to listen.

If you have a talent for music, join our sing‑along sessions for seniors. Many grandparents love hearing familiar hymns, and your voice can bring a smile to their day. You can also donate supplies like tea, biscuits, or fresh fruit; we keep a small pantry for the coffee mornings.

Even if you can’t give time, spreading the word helps. Talk to neighbours, share our flyer, or post about our events on social media. The more people who know we exist, the more seniors we can reach.

Finally, remember that small gestures count. A friendly phone call, a handwritten note, or offering to walk a neighbour’s dog can brighten an elder’s day. At Holy Family, we see every act of kindness as part of a larger community of support.

Got questions? Drop by the parish office after Mass or give us a call. We’re always happy to chat about how you can make a difference for the seniors in Patchway.

Gareth Sheffield

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