This morning it was dull and damp, but as we stepped aboard the River Escapes Fortuna today the sun and the smiles came out. I joined the volunteers and members of “Hand to Hand”.

Hand in Hand is a project of The Methodist Church (Newcastle Central and East Circuit) and was established in January 2000.

Through friendship and compassion they provide support to elderly people who are socially isolated and often living alone. Their aim is to see elderly people actively engaging in their community, being treated with dignity and respect, and no longer subject to loneliness and isolation. To achieve this they use a befriending service and weekly clubs and todays outing was a 3 hour boat cruise down the River Tyne from Newcastle Quayside to the Mouth of the Tyne in Tynemouth.

A lot of laughter and giggles ensured that all had a lovely day.