Celebrating Milestones, Friendship and Swiss Community

On Thursday, 21 May 2026, the Swiss Benevolent Society was delighted to welcome guests to our annual Afternoon Tea Party at the Swiss Embassy in London.

While the Tea Party is necessarily limited in size and, for practical reasons, brings together guests from the local invitation area, its meaning reaches far beyond the room itself. Each year, this occasion is held in honour of Swiss compatriots across the United Kingdom who are celebrating milestone birthdays and whose lives form part of the wider Swiss story in this country.

Those who joined us around the tables this year did so in that spirit: not only as individual guests, but as representatives of a much wider community of Swiss nationals who have built lives, families, friendships and histories here in the UK.

This year’s afternoon also offered guests the opportunity to meet Ambassador Dominique Paravicini, the new Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom, who spent time with attendees during the event. Our newly appointed Welfare Officer, Lily Saunders, was also present, giving guests the chance to meet another friendly face from the SBS Welfare Office.

The afternoon carried the warmth of a familiar Swiss gathering: thoughtful conversation, beautiful afternoon tea, music, shared memories, and the pleasure of being among like-minded compatriots.

Community as Wellbeing in Practice

This year’s Tea Party felt especially meaningful within our wider SBS Wellbeing Year.

Throughout 2026, we have been reflecting on themes that support a fuller and healthier life: connection, confidence, resilience, creativity, community, and the value of making space for one another. The Tea Party brought many of these ideas together in a simple but powerful way.

Around tables set with flowers, Swiss touches and dainty vintage tea china from Vintage Tea Party, guests were able to sit, talk, enjoy the afternoon tea and take in the music at an easy pace. Swiss entertainer Nick Cartier brought his saxophone and a warm musical presence to the room, with guests enjoying the entertainment throughout the afternoon. The sing-along of Swiss songs added a particularly familiar note, gently bringing shared memories and voices into the room.

There was also time for a Swiss quiz, a little friendly competition, and a few smiles over the answers. Before leaving, guests received a small goodie bag to take home as a reminder of the day.

Wellbeing is not only found in services, advice or practical help, important though those are. It is also found in being remembered, invited, welcomed and given space to belong.

For many older members of our community, occasions like this are not just pleasant social events. They are reminders that their stories matter, their contribution is valued, and their connection to Switzerland remains alive.

Revisit the Joy: A Glimpse into the Tea Party

Want to relive the happy memories and warm smiles from the event? View our online photo gallery. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the afternoon and see the joy of our community gathering.

Supporting Swiss Nationals Across the UK

The Swiss Benevolent Society exists to enhance the quality of life of Swiss nationals in the UK who may be experiencing difficulties, regardless of age, background or location.

Through our Welfare Office, we offer practical guidance, wellbeing support, home visits, community connection and financial assistance where appropriate. Alongside our direct support, we are also developing a wider programme of wellbeing initiatives designed not only to help people through difficult moments, but to encourage connection, confidence and a fuller sense of community life.

This includes our Living Well Series, with our monthly Blog, the SBS wellbeing calendar, coffee mornings, creative workshops, and other activities that bring people together in a warm and supportive setting.

The presence of Lily Saunders at this year’s Tea Party marked another step in strengthening this work. As Welfare Officer, Lily will help SBS continue to offer a compassionate, practical and personal point of contact for those who may need support.

With Thanks

Our sincere thanks go to the Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom for its support, including sending the invitations on behalf of SBS and generously providing the venue for this special occasion.

We also thank Ambassador Dominique Paravicini for joining our guests and spending time with them during the afternoon.

Our thanks go as well to our Chairwoman, Trustees, staff, volunteers, caterer, entertainer and everyone who helped the day run smoothly. Events like this depend on many careful hands behind the scenes, and we are deeply appreciative of everyone’s contribution.

Most importantly, we thank our guests for joining us. Your presence, stories and smiles are what make the Tea Party such a cherished part of the SBS calendar.

Staying Connected

The Tea Party is one moment in the year, but the work of SBS continues throughout.

The Swiss Benevolent Society supports Swiss nationals across the whole of the UK. While not every event can reach every region in person, we remain available as a direct and approachable first point of contact for Swiss compatriots wherever they live.

Support can often begin with a phone call, email or video conversation. Where a situation requires more local or specialist help, SBS will do its best to signpost, connect and work alongside suitable partners where possible.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, guidance or a friendly point of contact, please reach out to us. Whether the concern is practical, emotional, administrative or financial, our Welfare Office is here to listen and help where we can.

You can contact us via:

Email: info@swissbenevolent.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7836 9119
Website: www.swissbenevolent.org.uk

If you would like to support the work of SBS, donations can be made through our website. Your generosity helps us continue offering care, connection and practical support to Swiss nationals across the UK.

We look forward to staying connected and to continuing our work of strengthening wellbeing, community and belonging within the Swiss community.