A CHARITY that befriends the elderly and lonely has launched a recruiting drive in Liskeard.

Independent Age’s friendship services have helped thousands of older people who are lonely, and the charity is now looking to recruit more volunteers in Cornwall, in particular in Launceston and Liskeard.

Jeanette Bates, head of well-being at Independent Age, said: ‘Volunteers are invaluable to the older people who we support.

‘We hear from so many volunteers and older people who have had their lives changed for the better by the experience.

‘Chronic loneliness can be really damaging to a person’s health, so with the help of Cornish residents, we hope to help make loneliness a thing of the past.’

She said one in five older people in the UK are in contact with friends, family and neighbours less than once a week, while for one in 10, it’s less than once a month.

In addition to this, around 40% of older people say the television is their main form of company.

Volunteer opportunities are open to anyone over the age of 18 and to people of all backgrounds, with a recruitment process to ensure suitability for the role.

Volunteers provide companionship for older people who are lonely, enabling them to feel more connected to their local community.

The charity is keen for local people to apply to spend about an hour once a week or once a fortnight meeting up with an older person for a chat.

Visit www.independentage.org/volunteer-visitor or call 020 7605 4255.