AN URGENT hunt is on for volunteers to help launch a fun yet vital service for the elderly in Ammanford.

UK charity Contact the Elderly is looking to start a monthly tea party group in the town and needs volunteers to help make the scheme a reality.

Aimed at those aged 75 and over, the tea parties would provide a regular and vital friendship link every month, relieving the loneliness of isolated older people who live alone, as well as offering cake and a cuppa

Volunteers would be required to spare just a few hours each month to help with the running the monthly Sunday afternoon parties, with help needed for collecting guests from their homes and accompanying them to the tea and also hosts to welcome the group into their homes for tea once or twice a year.

Also required is a volunteer coordinator to help organise the parties.

Contact the Elderly’s South Wales Development Officer, Marion Lowther, said: “We would love to open a new group in Ammanford and to ensure these tea parties are as successful as others held across the UK, we urgently need the support of the local community.

“Anyone who can spare a couple of hours one Sunday a month, has a driving licence, a car and loves drinking tea is eligible!

“For those interested in becoming a host, it would just involve a couple of hours once or twice a year. It’s not a big commitment, and our volunteers genuinely get as much out of the experience as our older guests so I’d encourage anyone interested in giving something back to their community to please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

If you are interested in volunteering contact Marion Lowther on 01938 535 008 or email marion.lowther@contact-the-elderly.org.uk