A CHARITY which works in the region says urgent action is needed to reach older isolated people in some communities.

Contact the Elderly said loneliness among older people was more widespread than ever, despite campaigns encouraging the public to volunteer their time to help the elderly.

It singled out Middlesbrough as one problem area, where it organises tea parties for people aged 75 and over.

Contact the Elderly’s North-East regional development officer Valerie Walker said: “Unfortunately we are still not getting to the people who need our help.

"It is increasingly hard to reach isolated older people. They are so often left feeling trapped in their homes - not getting out a lot and not speaking to a single person for days.

"Everyone knows someone on their street or in their local area who could do with getting out of the house and socialising.

“We urge residents in Middlesbrough to think about someone who would benefit and ask them to get in touch.

“Our volunteers pick guests up from their homes and accompany them to a Sunday afternoon tea party, often the loneliest time of the week for our guests."

For more information about the work of the charity and to sign up to one of its groups contact Valerie Walker on telephone 0191 242 0186 or e-mail Valerie.walker@contact-the-elderly.org.uk