16 October 2025
Tea & Tiffin – Gary
For Gary from Fareham, Tea & Tiffin is a “lifeline” that helps him “get out of the house”.
Almost completely blind, Gary first heard about the social outings group through OpenSight, a Hampshire-based charity that supports people with visual impairments. He’s now been attending our Tea & Tiffin social club for nearly five years, choosing the trips that interest him most – usually every other week.
Tea & Tiffin organises outings to local cafés, restaurants, pubs, garden centres, and more in the area. The club provides door-to-door transport on minibuses, picking people up from home and dropping them back after each outing.
“I really look forward to it. It gets me out of the house and gives me a chance to talk to people. I love my wife, but I’ll admit it’s nice to have a bit of time out every now and again!”
Tea & Tiffin usually takes the group within a 10-15-mile radius, and he enjoys the mix of familiar friends and conversation. “There are a few regulars who go most weeks, and we’ve all become good friends. I’m the baby of the group!”
Recently, he joined 14 others for breakfast at The Garden Shed Café in Fareham’s West St.
What makes the service special, Gary says are the volunteer drivers. “Richard, our driver, is excellent. He really goes above and beyond. He gives us his number and tells us to ring him when we’re ready to be picked up or if we want to stay a bit longer. We never feel rushed – it’s all really relaxed.”
Gary and the other Tea & Tiffin members appreciate Richard’s kindness so much that they club together each Christmas to treat him to dinner and a gift as a thank you.
In addition to Tea & Tiffin, Gary also uses our Connect transport service for hospital appointments, which he finds invaluable and convenient.
“I’ve never had any issues with Connect. It’s an excellent service. The drivers are easy to talk to and very good listeners, they really care about what they do.”
Gary has become a regular and well-appreciated member of our Tea & Tiffin community. Thank you for joining us, Gary.
Our Connect transport services operate in Fareham & Gosport, Basingstoke, Winchester, Havant, East Hampshire and the New Forest. The minibuses are fully accessible, and the trips affordable and flexible – you can choose a pick up spot and we’ll take you where you need to go. Booking in advance is required.