Charity looking for volunteers and guests

A charity who try to combat loneliness and isolation suffered by older people have secured a permanent base in Rutherglen.

Contact the Elderly are a vital lifeline of friendship for those aged 75 and over who live alone and would like company.

Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, guests are collected by volunteer drivers and usually taken to a volunteer host’s home. However, the Rutherglen group, who currently have five guests, will now meet in the council’s Eastcroft Gardens Sheltered Housing complex on Main Street.

Rutherglen Tesco have donated a box of goodies for the guests including tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits to get the group off to a great start.

Janice Kerr, Central Scotland development officer at Contact the Elderly, said: “Our free, monthly tea parties offer company and friendship to those who aren’t as able as they used to be.

“While they will be held most of the time at Eastcroft Gardens, we are also planning on taking our guests out locally for their afternoon tea when we can.

“If you, or someone you know, might enjoy this then please get in touch. Find out more about our ‘Be Our Guest’ campaign.”

Both guests and users have spoken of the positive experience from the group.

To find out more about volunteering with or becoming a guest of Contact the Elderly, contact Janice Kerr on 01236 898613 or Janice.kerr@contact-the-eldery.org.uk. Or to refer a potential guest, call freephone 0800 716 543, visit www.contacttheelderly.org. uk or email guest@contact-theelderly.org.uk.