A charity is looking for kind-hearted people from Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent to help lonely and isolated older people.

Young at Heart, operated by Father Hudson’s Care, runs lunch clubs, friendship groups, days out and other activities for older people in Hanley, Kidsgrove, Meir and Butt Lane. They are now seeking volunteers for a new home visiting scheme and community gardening scheme.

Volunteers are needed to visit elderly people at home for a chat over a cup of tea, providing someone to talk to and keeping them company for a while. The people they visit are often lonely, isolated and struggle to get out and about.

Or if gardening is more your thing, the project is looking for volunteers to help out at their community gardening scheme. The volunteers help older people who struggle to maintain their lawns. They might be asked to mow the lawn, do some light weeding or plant some seeds.

Matt Ford, Project Development Officer, said, “If you can spare as little as an hour a week to help an older person feel less lonely we want to hear from you.”

To find out more about how to get involved, call Matt Ford on 07587 034299.

Young at Heart is part of Father Hudson’s Care, a charity that reaches a hand of friendship and support to people in need. Young at Heart runs lunch clubs and social groups to help older people get out, meet people and make friends and it puts on several coach trips each year for members to enjoy a day out. If you or someone you know would benefit from attending a Young at Heart group, contact Matt Ford on the number above or visit www.fatherhudsons.org.uk to learn more.