Pensioners in Hertfordshire and Manchester are in need of volunteer visitors to stave off loneliness, according to two charities.
Age Concern Hertfordshire says it needs more volunteers to brighten up the lives of elderly residents in the Welwyn Hatfield area.
Hatfield resident Gladys Harradine, 90, contacted the charity about getting a visitor at the end of 2006, shortly after her husband of 65 years, Stan, passed away.
She said: "I don't get many visitors, so having someone come to talk to me means a lot. She's just like one of the family now."
Gladys is visited every week by Hatfield Garden Village resident Jenny Howe, 31, who enjoys hearing about the history of Hatfield from Gladys, who has lived in the town since 1942.
"I wanted to do something for my local community and a friend had told me about the scheme. My grandparents live some way away, and I can't see them as often as I'd like," Jenny said.
"It's really rewarding and great fun. I always look forward to coming round.
"Now we know each other, it's more like popping to see a friend once a week. We both like travel, gardening, cooking, reading and enjoy meeting new people."
Jackie Noonan, Age Concern Hertfordshire's visiting scheme co-ordinator for the Welwyn Hatfield area, said for some elderly people volunteer visits can often be the highlight of the week.
She added: "By giving up just one hour a week, volunteers can make such a difference to the lives of older people in their local area. Many older people who benefit from our visiting scheme are housebound and have no family nearby."
For more information visit www.acherts.org.uk.
Age Concern’s Director-General, Gordon Lishman, said:
“Every Age Concern is different but there are a range of activities that are suitable for volunteers outside of normal working hours; for example, befriending or home visiting, special events drivers and escorts.
"Volunteering can have a big impact on the lives of older people, but can also enrich the lives of those taking part.
“Older volunteers are incredibly important and make a positive contribution to local communities across the country. Around five million people over 50 take part in unpaid voluntary work, which if paid for, would cost voluntary organisations around £5 billion a year.
Manchester group in plea for volunteers
An organisation which supports elderly people in Manchester has also appealed for volunteers.
The Manchester Neighbourhood Care Groups Association says it needs extra manpower to reach out to isolated older residents and those living in poverty.
Through its volunteers, the Association gives many socially excluded older people the opportunity to meet others and be part of society.
A spokesperson said: "These services are delivered for free or a minimal contribution of a couple of pounds thanks to the dedication of many of our volunteers. We rely on volunteers enormously to help us continue our work and always need more support."
The Association brings together seven Neighbourhood Care Groups and receives funding from Manchester City Council.
To find out more about volunteering with the Manchester Neighbourhood Care Groups Association, visit www.mncga.co.uk or email volunteers@mncga.co.uk
