A SCHEME to help support elderly people and stop them from getting lonely has been given the seal of approval by a charity's only official patron.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader Councillor Sue Jeffrey has been finding out the benefits of Age Uk Teesside's Befriending Service.

The Labour councillor called on great-grandmother Linda Tyreman, 79, in Grangetown to discover more about the service, which is backed by the council.

She chatted to Mrs Tyreman, her ‘befriender volunteer’ June Siddaway and chief executive of Age UK Teesside Anne Sykes in the pensioner’s home.

She said: “I have been deeply impressed by the vital work it does and I’m really proud the council supports the befriending service.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet Mrs Tyreman and hear about how much she values the service. It was also good to spend some time with June and hear about how she gives up her time in this way. It is people like June who give so much to our community and it’s great to hear about all they do."

She also learned that a total of 123 older people who can sometimes become isolated have been referred to the council-funded service and more dedicated volunteers are needed.

Ms Sykes said: “Our volunteers, like June, are really special people. You have to give real commitment. Not everyone can do it and it’s really important the volunteer gets something from it.”

Mrs Tyreman, who has four children and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, explained her husband, Derek, who was a heating and ventilation engineer in the Royal Navy and then at British Steel, passed away in 2004.

Mrs Tyreman, who has early onset dementia, has supportive, loving family nearby, including two children and their partners living on the same street who called round very regularly. However, her children and partners all work and have other commitments.

Mrs Tyreman, who has lived in in the area all her life, said: “I have a lot a family but a day can be a long time. I love June coming round. Sometimes we go out for trips and it can really make my day.”

For further details visit www.ageuk.org.uk/teesside or call 01642-805500.