We Are Launching Our Community Chai 'n' Chat!

There are many things that burden us as we age, from increased risk of diseases to aches and pains in places we wouldn’t usually feel them, but although growing older is a process some of us may dread, aging is a blessing that not everyone has the privilege of experiencing. If we’re lucky enough to live long healthy lives, one experience we cannot deter through therapy or multivitamins is the silent grip of loneliness. As their mobility decreases and their friends lose touch, we’re on a mission to ensure that elderly people, across our community and the rest of the world, have all the tools they need to age with dignity. 

With close to one billion people aged 60+ in the world, one in every three face social isolation and loneliness – Subhan'Allah. We’re proud to be combatting loneliness in our local area by launching our very own community Chai 'n' Chat!

It is only in old age that such elders tell us about how it is not material things that matter, but more so experiences, memories, and those who love you. They remind us that it is important to be kind and compassionate to yourself first, and then to others, so that you leave the world with a sense of self-fulfilment, something that others can emulate.

From not seeing enough of the world to being too stubborn to resolve a family dispute, we can learn many valuable lessons from the ‘regrets’ our beloved elders have admitted to having. Whether our grandparents, our favourite public figures, or simply strangers we encounter on our daily outings, their wisdom can shape our future. 

After having contributed an entire life to society, the older generation must be looked after because they deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Our elders are often the keepers of cultural traditions, wisdom and family history and it is our responsibility to preserve their legacies.

Standing true to our mission of using small change to make a BIG difference, it is with immense honour that we, here, at Penny Appeal, have decided to launch our very own community Chai 'n' Chat at our orange home in Thornes Park, Wakefield. With the inaugural event set to take place today, we’re honoured to have been chosen by the Almighty to provide our elders with this outlet, Alhamdulillah! 

Whether providing something as simple as a coffee and a catch up, a chit-chat with others, or a walk round the beautiful park, we believe that all elderly people deserve some moments of peace and community throughout their retirement. We’re thrilled to be able to give these members of our local community the invaluable gift of company in a world where they may feel left behind. 

Through years of austerity, our local councils have seen the closure of too many resources aimed at helping elderly people, youngsters, and everyone in between. That’s why we’ve looked into even more ways we can empower our neighbors, starting with our elders! We’ve partnered with tech giants Curry’s, who jumped at the idea of getting involved with our community and will be attending our Drop-in Club sessions ready to get our regulars set up with some brand-new gadgets. Whether to stay in touch with family and friends, keep up with the news, or play Candy Crush to their heart’s content, a bit of tech-savviness really can save a life. 

Having launched our Youth Club last month, we not only realised the importance of giving our local youngsters a safe outlet, but also our beloved elders too! We caught up with our very own Regional Programmes Manager, Zahid Khan, to ask all about the Drop-in Club and the Community Hub on the whole. 

“The first step was to get the doors open for the young people, which we have done. The Drop-In session was an early passion of mine, and I have loved every minute of working on this whole project so far. From putting pen to paper and writing down those ideas to seeing them come together feels great! Knowing the benefits of what it is going to achieve for our Community Hub users, and how it is going to improve or enhance that sense of belonging and togetherness is inexplicable. They will have that safe place, which is needed to build positive friendships, and since these benefits are so great, it makes my job worthwhile. I cannot wait to open the doors for the elderly in our community.”

While talking about his passion to add purpose and meaning to the lives of those seeking and deserving of it, he added, “We do have some more projects planned – I have a few ideas that I want to see come to fruition – like a Ladies’ Group, for example. The long-term goal is to become sustainable in giving back to the community – the fact we can open our doors for everyone – would make this Community Hub a success. I am proud as Penny Appeal are providing these services for our local community.” 

This project has transitioned from an idea in Zahid’s mind to a fully functioning reality through the support of our incredible staff, volunteers, and supporters just like you. 

But it is just not about the moral, social, or ethical responsibility that urges the younger generation to care for the elderly, but it is also a religious obligation for us Muslims, as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24):
"And your Lord has decreed that you do not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'"

With a strength that is quiet and enduring like a sturdy tree that has weathered many storms, our elders are the shades of mercy. Their blessings not only help us sail through the turbulent waters in this world, but goodness towards them is rewarded in the hereafter too, Subhan Allah!

In an age when every wrinkle tells a story and every strand of silver hair is a testament to years lived, there is a unique beauty in aging. The eyes, having seen so much, often long for the warmth of a familiar face or a friendly ‘hello’ and all of us at Penny Appeal have our hearts open, ready to welcome the successes of this initiative, Insha’Allah.

To learn more about our UK community projects like this one, take a look at our Penny Appeal at Home page and to play your part in supporting the elderly across the globe, take a look at how you can ‘Adopt a Gran’ today.