An invitation has gone out for afternoon tea this Saturday at a free LGBT+ community-focused event in Shropshire, where people can find out more about the work of SAND and get some free advice on planning for the future.
SAND stands for Safe Ageing No Discrimination and is an organisation campaigning for the rights of older and old LGBT+ people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Two of the afternoon’s main goals are to provide a chance for LGBT+ people and friends of SAND to connect again post-lockdown, after such a long time apart and to discuss issues on the theme of Planning for Ageing.
The event takes place at The Hive, in Belmont, from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday, September 25.
There will be a number of interactive activities during the course of the afternoon and SAND will also be launching their new in-partnership projects with Lanyon Bowdler and Age UK Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Sue Gorbing, SAND director, said: “We would love to see all LGBT+ people, our allies and anyone interested in what SAND is doing in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin coming along to The Hive on Saturday.
“Finally, we have a chance to meet up in real life, chat and hear about what we’ve all been up to. In addition, we want to talk about the kind of things that are useful to arrange as we get older and we’d really like to hear about your experiences and the plans people are making.”
One of the experts providing free advice will be Edward Rees, head of the private client department at Lanyon Bowdler.
Edward said: “Planning for the future is hugely important and it’s never too early to put plans in place with regards to things like Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney – come along and ask those questions!”
The event will feature stalls, information, a place to share thoughts and ideas, and a sandcastles and sand sculpture competition.
In addition to Lanyon Bowdler, other experts available to answer questions on the day will be an end-of-life doula.
Visitors will be able to see the group’s Embrace a Culture of Inclusion display and have the opportunity to join the Embrace Campaign.
The Hive’s cafe will be open all afternoon serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. and people will have the chance to take part in a recording of Sandy Island Discs with Radio Shropshire’s Paul Shuttleworth.
If you fancy this please bring along a list of three records special to you, selections which evoke memories and help us share stories.
To take part in this part of the day, email or call 01743 590023 so a time slot can be allocated on the day.
To book a free place at Afternoon Tea with SAND, click on the Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-tea-chat-with-sand-tickets-170016033533
