A rallying call has been made for volunteers to relieve the acute loneliness and isolation of older people who live alone in Angus.
Jean Malcolm, volunteer area organiser for Re-engage, was speaking following a successful year for the charity which has increased the number of groups in Angus from six to 11.
The charity, which was founded as Contact the Elderly in 1965 before changing its name to Re-engage in September, plans to create a wider range of social activities to support people over the age of 75.
Mrs Malcolm said: “Our aim is to alleviate loneliness in people, usually over the age of 75 by providing free, monthly tea parties.
“Loneliness is increasingly being recognised as a contributor to physical and mental ill health and by providing company and of course cake, we do make a difference.
“In this season of goodwill I hope some people will decide to volunteer with us. It isn’t very onerous.
“We are looking for people to either drive on one Sunday a month or as a reserve, or host an afternoon tea for a group of older people once a year.
“We have many more people we could help, but we do need more volunteers.”
Volunteer roles are very flexible and created to fit around people’s busy lifestyles.
Tea parties are usually held in a host’s home with numbers of guests agreed with the group coordinator which means even people with limited accommodation can take part.
Mrs Malcolm said: “There is no reason why teas cannot be held elsewhere such as a church, a school, a business, a fire station, as we will go almost anywhere for tea and cake.
“This year we have been fortunate to have been invited to RM Condor, which was very special, the 150th birthday party for People’s Friend, Glenesk Hotel, The Rookery in Carnoustie and Forbes of Kingennie, Gardner Memorial Church and Fettercairn Primary among others.
“Our guests never tire of telling us what a difference our outings make to their lives.
“It gives them a chance to chat, make friends and tell us their stories, and what amazing stories they have to tell.
“It is a great chance for our volunteers to meet new people and make new friends as loneliness isn’t confined to older people.
“You could make an incredible difference to a person’s life.”
Interested parties can email info@reengage.org.uk or call 01356 660238.
