A PARTNERSHIP between not-for-profit organisations The Abbeyfield Society and Somerset Care is ensuring older residents on the Isle of Wight have the opportunity to meet each other and build new friendships.

Abbeyfield’s Poplar Lodge and Somerset Care’s Inver House are located opposite each other on Foreland Road in Bembridge.

Inver House is a residential care home, and Poplar Lodge is a supported living facility, with the latter offering a degree of freedom to residents who are able to live more independently.

Both unite towards their common goal of enhancing the quality of life for older people, wherever they live, and it is this that enables them to work so well together.

Lois Rogers, Senior House Manager at Abbeyfield, said: “We try do to something each month, working with staff in both houses, residents and volunteers.

"We have quizzes, beetle drives, singing and games, card-making activities and pet therapy events. The partnership coffee mornings have developed as the events have progressed and now it’s a regular thing which everyone loves.”

The two organisations alternate hosting responsibilities on opposite sides of the road, helping them spread the workload.

The most recent coffee morning was held on February 27, with Poplar Lodge playing host. They provided the raffle and refreshments, and Inver House ran the quiz.

Poplar Lodge resident, Phil, said: “It’s a great chance for us to interact with the Inver House residents through quizzes, raffles, games, and of course, coffee, tea and cake.

"We plan to have a joint summer party where we invite people from around Bembridge. Our family and friends, and staff both old and new, are always willing to help with these events, and we always enjoy ourselves.”