A charity which has more than 100 groups in Scotland tackling the issue of loneliness in older age through tea, cake and company is hoping to launch a group in Dunblane.

Contact the Elderly, which already has groups in Stirling and Clackmannanshire, is appealing to potential volunteers and guests to get in touch about its free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties.

A group of up to six older people, aged 75 and over who live alone, is accompanied by volunteer drivers to a Sunday afternoon tea party in a volunteer host’s home.

Morna O’May, East of Scotland Development Officer at Contact the Elderly, said: “Our groups in Stirling, Balfron and Kippen have been so popular and made such a difference to the lives of the older people who attend.

“Our volunteers also have a super time and have made real and lasting friendships through the tea parties. Such a small, and mutually beneficial, act of kindness has an immeasurable impact in tackling social isolation among the local older community.

“We are looking forward to setting up our first group in Dunblane.”

Volunteer drivers collect one or two older people one Sunday afternoon a month and join them for the tea party before taking them safely home. Volunteer hosts will welcome a group of between eight to 10 people into their home once or twice a year, providing tea, sandwiches, cake and, most importantly, a warm atmosphere.

Hosts’ homes must have no more than a few steps to enter and a downstairs toilet. The charity also has a pool of reserve drivers and each group requires a coordinator who communicates with the rest of the group on each month’s arrangements.

The parties are held to allow those aged 75 and over who live alone the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon out of the house at a time when they might otherwise have nowhere to go and no-one to see.

To find out more about volunteering or becoming a guest of Contact the Elderly, contact Morna on 01786 871264 ormorna.omay@contact-the-elderly.org.uk.