A new scheme has been launched in Pinner to help combat loneliness among the elderly.

National charity, Contact the Elderly, is working with Caritas, the social action agency of the Catholic Church in Westminster, to help tackle loneliness among isolated elderly people.

The organisations are appealing for volunteers to help them widen the reach of their Contact the Elderly programme in Pinner.

The idea of the programme is that on one Sunday each month an older person in the area hosts a small group for tea.

Each month a different host is chosen and volunteers pick up the guests from their homes and take them to the host’s house.

The aim is that over time the group members will become friends and will start to meet up more often.

Contact the Elderly’s director, Keith Arscott, said: “We are pleased to be working with Caritas, Diocese of Westminster, to bring the wider community together.

“With our rapidly ageing population, the issue of loneliness and social isolation among older people is only set to grow worse.

“There are currently 16,200 people, aged 75 and above living in the Borough of Harrow. Our vital lifeline can help to make a real difference to those who are isolated and living alone.

“Any local residents of Pinner who can spare a couple of hours one Sunday a month, have a driving licence, a car and a capacity for drinking tea, are eligible. 

“And for those interested in becoming a host, it would just involve a couple of hours, once or twice a year.

“All you need is easy access to your home and a downstairs toilet. 

“We are also looking for volunteer group coordinators who can help us to set up the new group and spread the word to other potential volunteers in the area.

“I would urge anyone looking to make a difference in their local community to please get in touch today.”

For more information about joining the new Pinner group as a volunteer, please contact Cliff Rich on freephone 0800 716 543 or email cliff.rich@contact-the-elderly.org.uk