Caffeine, conversation and companionship, a winning formula

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Tuesday September 26, 2023

SupportLink Gore coffee clubbers turned out in force on September 20 to celebrate the coffee club's 12th anniversary.

The Mataura RSA function room was brimming with people who came together for a lunch to mark the occasion.

The monthly coffee club is a relaxed group where people find companionship, enjoy good food at one of the four venues they routinely frequent, and hear from interesting guest speakers. They also go on an annual mystery bus tour. 

Its purpose is to reduce social isolation by providing older people living in the community with an opportunity to socialise and make new friends. 

SupportLink Gore coordinator Patricia Officer-Young has been running the coffee club since its inception. 

The first get-together in 2011 was held at the old post office in Gore, attended by 11 people. 

Twelve years on, the numbers had swelled to 70 people. Patricia thanked the group for their support over the years. 

“You are all stars,” she said at the celebration. “I wouldn’t be here without you all.”

Heather Fennessy and Terry Moulin are among four members who have been involved since the club’s beginning. 

“It’s the friendships [which keep me coming back],” Heather said.

“…the conviviality of people,” Terry said.

Dorothy Murray joined the coffee club after giving up work and has been attending the club since the second get-together 12 years ago. 

“It is a social thing you can come to on your own,” she said. 

Enliven supported living and community services manager Juliana Baxter said the coffee club, in particular, continued to be well-attended. From the monthly morning teas to the annual bus trip, each event usually attracted between 40-65 people.

 “The success of SupportLink in Gore is very much down to the commitment and dedication of our amazing co-ordinator, Patricia who has been the driving force behind all our SupportLink activities in Gore for the last 12 years.”