Loneliness is a major blight on our older population with more and more people suffering the mental and physical effects of social isolation.

Contact the Elderly, which has five groups in the area, marked the UN’s International Day of Older Persons by saying thank you to the more than 1000 volunteers it has in Scotland who give up their time so that those aged 75 and over can enjoy meeting new people and afternoons out of the house.

The charity, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, currently has more than 750 guests in Scotland but knows there are many more who could benefit from its monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties. It is appealing for more people to join the ranks of volunteers so the lifeline of friendship can be extended to more people who may face days alone with no-one to see and nowhere to go.

Morna O’ May, East of Scotland development officer for Contact the Elderly, said: "The work of our volunteers is remarkable and we are so proud of the difference they are making to older peoples’ lives. As we recognise our older population with this global occasion, it’s important we mark what is happening locally and celebrate how this is really having an impact.

“We know there will always be more people we can help who would benefit from joining one of our groups. Our parties are only possible thanks to our volunteers and we need more people who can give up a small amount of time to make an immeasurable amount of difference.

“It’s not a one-sided thing either – our volunteers are always telling us of the great fun they have with the guests and other volunteers. It’s lovely to hear how everyone truly enjoys their time together.”

A volunteer host will welcome a group of between eight and 10 volunteers and guests into their home once or twice a year for a Sunday afternoon tea party, providing refreshments. They must have an accessible home, with no more than a few steps, and a downstairs toilet.

A volunteer driver will collect one or two guests one Sunday a month and take them to a tea party and join them for an afternoon of shared stories and cake before driving them home.

For more information on becoming a guest or volunteer of Contact the Elderly locally, please contact Morna on 01786 871264.