CONTACT the Elderly’s Stirling group was delighted to receive a visit from MSP Jeane Freeman at a tea party to promote its Be Our Guest campaign.

The Minister for Social Security enjoyed an afternoon of tea, cake and conversation with the charity’s guests and volunteers learning that, for many guests, the monthly tea parties are the only opportunity for them to get out and socialise with others.

Ms Freeman said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with the Stirling group.

"It is clear to see how much everyone enjoys meeting up at the monthly tea parties and I heard from each guest how much they look forward to seeing their friends.

"I’m sure there are more people in the area who could be benefitting from the charity’s free service.

"So congratulations to Contact the Elderly and all their hosts and volunteers for the great work they do arranging afternoon tea parties and offering a lifeline of friendship and companionship to older people."

The Be Our Guest campaign urges the public to recommend older people they know or work with to let them know about its free, monthly tea parties.

The charity hopes to launch a second Stirling group this year and is keen to find older people who would like to join.

Contact the Elderly is also appealing for volunteers locally.

A volunteer driver collects one or two guests and joins them at the party before returning them safely home, while a volunteer host welcomes a group of six to eight people into their home once a year, laying on afternoon tea and a warm atmosphere.

Lorna Dunbar, support officer at Contact the Elderly, said: "We were delighted that Jeane Freeman MSP was able to attend our tea party recently.

"The guests all enjoyed her visit and got the opportunity to explain how much the tea parties mean to them.

"We hope by highlighting what we do, and how fun and easy it is, older people and volunteers will be encouraged to get in touch to help us launch a second Stirling group.

"It may understandably seem a little daunting getting in touch and meeting new people but it is something everyone who joins is glad that they have done."

To find out more about volunteering or becoming a guest of Contact the Elderly, contact Janice Kerr, Development Officer, on 01236 898613 or janice.kerr@contact-the-elderly.org.uk