“I don’t think people realise how lonely and isolated these older people feel and just a few hours one Sunday a month can make an incredible difference”, says Christine who is both a co-ordinator and driver. “The gatherings are tremendous fun and I can feel excitement in the air each month when I ring around my members, my hosts and my drivers.”

While the co-ordinators organise events each month, the host changes each meeting so that the locations are a breath of fresh air. The drivers, however, are assigned to specific elderly people to build a special relationship between the 1-2 people they take to and from events. The elderly members themselves are usually above 75, live alone and are unable to get out by themselves, though this does not have to be the case.

Guests are not expected to host or drive, and this is a free service.

For more information contact Caroline Learmonth on 0141 812 5744 or caroline.learmonth@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or visit the website www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk

Contact the Elderly is a 45 year old charity that has 380 groups across the UK, with 10 in Glasgow alone. They aim to provide friendship and company to elderly citizens once a month on Sundays but are reliant on generous volunteering from drivers, hosts and coordinators.