GROUPS that organise monthly tea parties for isolated people aged 75 and over across the North West are struggling to find enough guests and volunteer drivers in Sale, the national charity Contact the Elderly said.

Residents in Sale are being encouraged to spread the word about the tea parties to encourage older people in their areas who live alone and have little contact with family and friends to sign up to attend the groups.

Contact the Elderly’s north west regional development officer, Gwen Lightfoot, said: "Everyone knows someone on their street or in their local area who would benefit from getting out of the house and socialising. Our volunteers pick guests up and take them to a Sunday afternoon tea party, often the loneliest time of the week for many people.

"We know that there are plenty of people out there who could benefit and I would urge them to them to get in touch with me to sign up to attend. It might seem like a small step but it could be life-changing for people who have little contact with others.

"Similarly, as we get more guests, we also need more volunteer drivers. The commitment is very light - it just requires a couple of hours once a month to drive a guest to and from a tea party. The sense of community you will get back from it is immense - not to mention the possibility of striking up new friendships." Gwen Lightfoot can be contacted on 01925 728 969 or gwen.lightfoot@contact-the-elderly.org.uk