New coffee club aims to reduce social isolation

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Monday July 17, 2023

Igniting the social life of older people living in Invercargill is the aim of Enliven Southland’s rebooted SupportLink Invercargill coffee club.

Ten people attended the launch of the Ignite coffee club, at South Alive last month. (June 30)

The coffee club has been restarted following a period of hiatus due to COVID-19.

Enliven supported living and community services manager Juliana Baxter was pleased with the number of people who attended the launch as it demonstrated a need for this kind of event.

“It has been a great start, and a fantastic turnout,” she said.

Held on the last Friday of the month, the free event is an opportunity for Invercargill’s semi or fully retired residents to socialise and make new friends. A different mystery guest speaker would attend each session along with refreshments and plenty of time for everyone to have a chat. Transport would be available to assist those with limited mobility to attend the event.

Enliven SupportLink Invercargill coordinator Tui-Susan Hill said it was hoped Ignite would provide an opportunity for people to engage with their community, make connections and reduce their feelings of isolation.

Invercargill resident Judith attended the launch.

“I really enjoyed it,” she said. “Everybody was so very friendly and I felt I was going to make some new friends.”

Joan also enjoyed the event. She had moved from North Invercargill to South Invercargill about 18 months ago and had found it difficult to meet new people when she was on her own.

“I have been looking for any opportunity to meet more people,” she said. “[Events like this] make you feel less isolated.”

For more information email supportlinksld@pss.org.nz or phone 03 211 8256.