Derry 'Chat Tea Train' celebrates one year with largest ever attendance

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) MDT Social Work Team supported by the GP Federation and Translink recently celebrated their first anniversary of the Chat-Tea Train event with the largest ever attendance.

The use of networking and enhancing partnerships with Translink as part of their smart pass initiative has aided the concept of sustainability and has been a vital aspect in enabling this initiative to continue to run. 

They have collaborated with Derry City and Strabane District Council Positive ageing month and have showcased this initiative through other age friendly cities in the UK. We have partnered with the WHSCT Lilliput Theatre Company who get us warmed up for our journey and local Ukelele band from U3A " The D'Ukes of Gransha" who kindly entertain us at the station and on our train trip to our destination.

152 people aged 60+ travelled from Waterside Train Station to Ballymoney and they enjoyed a sing song on the train as usual, and many a chat and laugh was had.

This Chat Tea Train initiative has been running for one year now and has been going from strength to strength, benefiting people in the local community who are experiencing loneliness or isolation, provide an opportunity for people to reminisce about their time travelling by train to the seaside and bring joy and friendship for everyone who attends.

Speaking about the success of the Chat-Tea Train Initiative Shona McEleney, GP Social Work Assistant, Waterside Health Centre said: “We are delighted that we have reached this milestone of 1 year since we started this initiative with the largest ever number attending. The positive feedback it has once again greatly benefitted people in our local community who are experiencing loneliness or isolation.

“This initiative has provided an opportunity for people to reminisce about their early childhood memories of travelling by train to the seaside and has built new friendships for some of the people who joined our first Chat-Tea train back in October 2023.

“Thank you once again to our partnership with Translink for their continued support for this initiative which is very much appreciated.”

Lee Verner, Head of Service for Social Work MDT attended the one year event and advised “this was a truly an exciting and inspiring event benefiting so many older people within our community. The buzz and excitement as people gathered to embark on their trip was truly amazing.

IN PICTURES: Derry 'Chat Tea Train' celebrates one year

"I want to thank everyone involved and particularly Shona as she has been a beacon for this work and is dedicated to making it continue to be a success. I am delighted this has taken place during positive ageing month and am excited to announce the team have organised at Chat Tea Ball as part of the anniversary celebrations which is due to take place later in the month.”