A charity that provides free social events for those aged 75 and over is moving into Brightlingsea in a bid to help older people who may be feeling lonely or isolated.

Re-engage, which has been providing free monthly tea parties across the UK since 1965, is appealing for volunteers to set-up a group in the town. There are already groups running in Colchester and Clacton.

The charity is targeting Brightlingsea as there are nearly 13,000 older people living alone in the Tendring district, according to latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

Re-engage is looking for volunteers who can spare a couple of hours a month to host one of the tea parties in their own homes where free sandwiches and cakes are provided, or drive the older people to and from venues.

Sally Flowers, head of service delivery at Re-engage, said: “Loneliness has a damaging effect on many older people who may not see or talk to anyone for days or weeks. 

“Many of them tell us they crave social contact and going to our tea parties brings them a lot of joy because they can talk and laugh with their peers or simply sit and listen.

“Just being with other people brightens their lives immensely and our volunteers also benefit greatly. Nearly all of them feel they are giving something back to society and two out of three say volunteering has had a positive impact on their lives.”

Tea party guest Rene, 81, said: “Joining a tea party was the best thing I’ve done in years. After I’ve been to one I feel like I have come back to life again. I always look forward to them and to sharing company with the volunteers who are so kind and friendly.”

If you’d like to volunteer there’s more information on the Re-engage website, or call 0207 240 0630.