A charity which provides tea, cake and company to older people is appealing for more people to get involved ahead of launching a group in Dunblane next month.

Contact the Elderly has guests and volunteers lined up for its free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties but is appealing for more people to offer and benefit from the vital lifeline of friendship the groups provide.

A volunteer driver collects one or two guests and joins them at the party before returning them safely home. 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.

The charity is eager to invite more people aged 75 and over who live alone to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea whilst meeting new people.

Morna O’May, head of service in Scotland for Contact the Elderly, said: “Sadly the truth is that many older people live alone today and have less opportunity to get out. Our free, monthly tea parties offer company and friendship to those who aren’t as able as they used to be. Offering tea and cakes along with an outing makes our parties unsurprisingly popular for everyone involved.

“We have lovely volunteers eagerly awaiting the launch of this group in October, but of course would urge anyone who is interested in donating some time to get in touch.

“If you think you might enjoy these parties as a guest or volunteer, or know someone you think might, then please get in touch.”

To find out more about volunteering or becoming a guest of Contact the Elderly, contact Morna O’May on morna.o’may@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or 01786 871264.

Please be advised a host’s home must have no more than a few steps to enter and a downstairs toilet.