A community effort involving elderly friendship charity Re-engage and various Dunbar businesses ensured tidings of comfort and joy for East Lothian residents.
Re-engage is committed to making life less lonely for thousands of older people whose social circles diminish as the years pass by.
A network of volunteer groups organise monthly tea parties for people aged over 75 who live in social isolation, providing a vital chance to connect, socialise and chat with other people.
The Dunbar and Haddington groups combined to host a joint Christmas afternoon tea, with facilities and teas and coffees donated by Dunbar’s Royal Mackintosh Hotel.
Other local businesses who chipped in to lift Christmas spirits with donations of free bakery goods included Dunbar Community Bakery and ASDA Dunbar, while Co-op Food Dunbar and M&S Straiton provided small Christmas gifts.
Dunbar-based award winning photographer Rob McDougall kindly offered his service to capture memories of the festive celebration.
Re-engage group co-ordinator, Lyndsey Rafferty, said: “It was a treat it was to bring these lovely guests together for the first time and to enjoy a bit of good food and festive fun. We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the community who made this special tea party the brilliant success that it was.
“The staff at the Royal Mackintosh Hotel were nothing short of superb and we were very fortunate to receive supplies for our afternoon tea from a number of local businesses who went above and beyond to make this so special for our guests.
“Our incredible Dunbar and Haddington volunteers made this a wonderful experience for all and their generosity throughout the year is greatly appreciated by all our guests.
“The festive period can be a challenging time for many – especially, the elderly. If you know of anyone who needs a little companionship going in to 2026, or if you would consider volunteering your time to help a lonely elderly person, please reach out to Re-engage. It is such a worthwhile, rewarding and important cause.”
- Re-engage are looking for new volunteers throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians willing to host one tea party annually (for up to eight people) or volunteer drivers who will drive guests to and from tea parties. For more information visit https://reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/tea-parties/
