ORGANISERS of an innovative scheme to provide a decent meal and good company for older people are hoping to recruit more volunteers.

Derwent Valley Diners aims to match dozens of people over 60 with a suitable volunteer, who will collect a good meal once a week so they can enjoy decent food in their own home with company.

Under the scheme, set up by Age UK County Durham with funding from the Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership, older people choose and pay for their own meal from one of several high-quality food providers in the area.

The meal is then collected by a volunteer, who brings it to the house and stays while they eat, giving much-needed contact with a friendly face and a regular check on how they are doing.

So far, four volunteers and four older people, some in their 90s and housebound, have signed up.

But organisers aim to help up to 35 older people each week by the time the year-long pilot project comes to an end in March.

Meals, which vary from traditional mince and dumplings or fish and chips to freshly-made deli-style sandwiches, are delivered across the Derwent Valley area, particularly outlying communities such Burnopfield, Dipton, Medomsley, Ebchester, Shotley Bridge and Blackhill.

Harriet Gibbon, chief executive of Age UK County Durham said “For a number of reasons older people can find it difficult to prepare and cook a meal for themselves.

“In addition many also experience social isolation and loneliness, with many older people in County Durham reporting that TV is their main source of company.

“This exciting local project means that older people have a regular friendly face who brings them a meal of their choice on a weekly basis.”

She added: “Local food businesses are also benefitting from additional customers.”

The charity wants to hear from people aged over 18 who would like to volunteer to help an older person experiencing loneliness. Volunteers receive full training and support.

For further details about receiving a weekly visit or about volunteering to help out, please ring Age UK County Durham on 0191 374 6577 or e-mail cet@ageukcountydurham.org.uk.