New group to tackle loneliness

Contact the Elderly, which tackles loneliness among older people, has announced it is to start a new group in Angus.

The group organises free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for the elderly, to relieve isolation of older people who live alone.

Jean Malcolm started an Angus group in Brechin 10 years ago and has since set up groups in Montrose, Forfar, Kirriemuir and Laurencekirk.

After being approached from Tealing Community Council, a new group will be set up in the village next month.

Contact the Elderly also has plans for a group in Friockheim and an additional group in Laurencekirk.

Jean said: “I am delighted we will soon be launching a group covering the Tealing area.

“Our tea parties have been making a tremendous difference to the lives of older people in Angus who live alone for 10 years now.

“I know that there are many more who would benefit so we’re going to continue to work hard so we can bring more people from the area together for shared afternoons of tea, cake and conversation.”

A volunteer host holds the tea party and a volunteer driver collects one or two guests and accompanies them for an afternoon in which people enjoy “baking and a blether”.

Volunteer hosts and drivers are sought in Tealing, Forfar, Montrose and Carnoustie and all the groups would welcome more volunteers.