WE write to ask your readers in the North-East and North Yorkshire to back Communi-tea Week, a nationwide campaign which helps tackle the isolation and loneliness faced by millions of pensioners daily.

More than a third of older people in the UK, including half of all women aged over 65, live alone. It is a frightening statistic, but Communi-tea Week aims to bring together those who may be struggling on their own by reaching out over a friendly cup of tea.

During the week from Monday, April 20, older people across the country are being invited to join in hundreds of tea-related events taking place in Bupa care homes across the country.

We urge as many people as possible to support Communi-tea Week, so why not host your own tea party and invite someone who lives on their own? It may be a friend or a neighbour, or you may be part of a community group that can stir tea-drinkers in your area into action.

For more information about your nearest event, or for more ideas about hosting your own, call the Communi-tea Week hotline on 0113 381 6306 or email communi-teaweek@bupa.com.

Dean Cowley, Customer Service Director, Bupa Care Services.