A NATIONAL charity tackling social isolation among older people is calling for more volunteers in the Borders.

Contact the Elderly is looking for drivers to transport older people to their monthly tea party events in Kelso, Melrose and Peebles.

The tea parties bring together small groups of people aged 75 and older in a bid to combat loneliness and provide a vital friendship link every month.

Rachael Hamilton MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire, recently paid a visit to a local tea party run by the charity to learn about what they do.

She said: “It was such a treat to join a tea party at the weekend. I heard first-hand of the importance of these events to those in attendance.

“As well as getting some lovely tea and cake, everyone had a chance to share stories and make friends. Social isolation is a big issue; to be able to chat is great for well-being.

“It is vitally important that these events can continue to run and I would urge anyone who can help out to do so. Volunteers play a crucial role in running the events.”

For more information on volunteering, visit: www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk