MEET THE FOUNDER & VOLUNTEERS
Maria Davey charity founder at The Deans Senior Tea Club
Maria Davey Our Charity
Founder
Maria founded the social club in September 2013.
She decided to create a safe warm environment for seniors to meet and socialise, to combat loneliness in older age whilst having a jolly good time!
Since then volunteers have stepped in to help open 4 more clubs across Brighton & Lewes district. The clubs have become very popular and often get excellent press and support.
'On the road' is a recent creation to bring the club social and wellbeing ideas into nursing homes! A small donation from the nursing enables us to cater arts & crafts, entertainment and fun by two or three volunteers.
They enter the care or residential home full of interesting, positive and well thought-out activities which promotes a good sense of achievement, well being and most of all fun!
Awards
High Sheriff of East Sussex Award 2016
The Deans Senior Tea club received an award on Thursday 17th March from the High Sheriff of East Sussex - in recognition of great and valuable service to the community!
We were honoured to have been invited and receive an award.
With great thanks our Tea Club was also awarded £20o.
Maria Davey receiving the award on behalf of The Deans Senior Tea Club charity
Halifax Giving Extra Award 2015
Maria Davey was recognised by the Halifax bank for her work with The Deans Senior Tea Club charity.
'The Halifax Giving Extra Awards recognise and reward those extraordinary people who give extra in their local community.'
Maria Davey being presented with the Halifax Giving Extra Award
Maria receives Unsung Heroes award
In April 2015 Maria Davey was presented with an 'Unsung Hero' Award by by Lewes District Council. This was in recognition of her 'service to others in the community.' Maria was nominated by two of her Deans Senior Tea Club members!
Maria Davey in the Argus Newspaper
Maria Davey receiving her award
Unsung Heroes Award
Maria Shortlisted for Carer of the Year Award 2014
Extract from the Argus Newspaper 2014:
A Woman who set up a tea club in a bid to help the elderly with loneliness has received a much deserved nomination.
Maria set up the Deans Senior Tea Club in November 2013 to help solve the problem of isolation among the elderly.
She hoped to provide somewhere safe and fun for seniors to meet, chat, play games and drink tea - all out of her own pocket. Jay Davey who nominated Maria, said: "The Club started with just four people showing up to the first meeting in November but Maria didnt give up. Now they have 35 to 45 regular members and new attendees each week - all funded by Maria, who gives up all her spare time to advertise and host it all."
A Recent tea dance attracted more than 80 elderly residents. Simon Kirby MP, Mayor Wayne Botting and the Argus all came along to see for themselves what a difference the club makes to people. The Mayor was so impressed that he has asked Maria to host a weekly event at the Telscombe civic Centre.
Jay added: " It's Maria's dream to have a weekly club in each of the Deans, Telscombe, Newhaven and Peacehaven."
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Maria Davey our Founder of The Deans Senior Tea Club and Sarah Gordon our Fundraiser
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Maria Davey our Founder of The Deans Senior Tea Club and Sarah Gordon our Fundraiser, getting involved and enjoying the entertainment.
Charity Ambassador David Smith
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A big Thank you to our charity Ambassador David Smith who continues to support the Tea Clubs we appreciate his generosity.
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If you or a business is interested in supporting the Tea Clubs, or becoming a ambassador, please get in touch.
Meet the Volunteers
Volunteers group photo Dec 2016
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Pictured from left: Joanna (Telscombe Deputy Mayor), Carol and Carol (Volunteers), Gwen Maskell (Telscombe Mayor), Maria Davey (Charity Founder), Heather Sayers, Olive & Susan (Volunteers).
Tea Club Volunteers Dec 2016
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Yvonne (Tea Club member), Susan and Carol (Volunteers) and Joanna (Telscombe Deputy Mayor).
Trustees and Committee Members Hayley Southon and Jade Gladwell.
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Meet our two trustees and committee members Hayley Southon and Jade Gladwell , always coming forward with ideas and putting the charity’s best interests first.