The simple yet effective project developed by Crossgates & District Good Neighbours scheme has been highlighted by The Centre for Ageing Better as an alternative to traditional coffee mornings by providing opportunities to socialise at weekends and in the evenings.

The project has grown from strength to strength since and the current group of 11 table hosts meets quarterly to choose venues and set dates and times for Shared Tables.

CDGNS started developing the Shared Tables project in October 2015, after local older people identified a lack of social opportunities in the evenings and at weekends as a main barrier to social inclusion.

While there are often activities available during the working week, evenings and weekends can be particularly lonely.

The full report can be found here https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-10/Shared-Tables-Leeds.pdf

Hillary Wadsworth