THE appeal has gone out in the Bridport area for volunteers to help alleviate one of the commonest problems facing older people - loneliness.

According to research, one million older people go for a month without speaking to anyone. Half of all older people - about five million - consider the television as their main form of company.

Age UK Dorchester run a Reach Out scheme to provide volunteers for older people who have are lonely and isolated.

Angie Gape who works with older people in the Bridport and Lyme Regis area said: "This can happen for a variety of reasons including bereavement, ill health and a loss of confidence.

"Loneliness can be devastating and we all have a role to play in our local community in helping to ensure that older people feel included. We aim to provide volunteers to either accompany an older person to a local group or activity or visit them for a cup of tea and a chat.

“The biggest challenge we face is to be able to provide enough volunteers to meet this growing need. The volunteers we currently have tell us that they find their role very rewarding and can see the difference they make."

One Reach Out volunteer said: “If I can get someone out and about, it can make a difference to them straight away. They feel like they are part of the world around them again.”

The scheme operates in the Dorchester, Bridport, Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland areas and Age UK Dorchester would like to hear from potential volunteers in these areas.

Potential volunteers should enjoy meeting people, be a good listener and have about an hour a week to spare.

If you would like more information about volunteering for the Reach Out scheme in the Bridport area, please contact Angie Gape at Age UK Dorchester on 01305 269444 or email a.gape@ageukdorchester.org.uk

For further information, please contact Lisa Holmes, head of care and support, Age UK Dorchester, phone 01305 269444 or email lholmes@ageukdorchester.org.uk

Age UK Dorchester is a local charity supporting older people in Dorchester & the surrounding area to live fulfilling and active lives. We provide a wide range of services and activities thanks to the ongoing support of the local community through the money and time given by our donors and volunteers.

For more information visit ageuk.org.uk/dorchester/