VOLUNTEERS are needed in the Wareham area to support elderly people isolated in their own homes.

The Age UK Reach Out service strives to strengthen social contacts in the community, helping older people to be active outside their homes or simply visiting them at home for a chat and a cup of tea.

Lisa Holmes, head of care at Age UK Dorchester - where the Wareham scheme is run from - said: "Loneliness can be devastating and we all have a role to play in our local community in helping to ensure that older people feel included.

"No-one should feel lonely at Christmas time, or any other time of the year."

Age UK has recently teamed-up with retailer John Lewis on the 'Man on the Moon' advertising campaign, which is hoped will raise awareness of the issue.

Lisa said: "Hopefully, The Man on the Moon advert will strike a chord with people and help to raise awareness of loneliness amongst older people.

"The biggest challenge we face is to be able to provide enough volunteers to meet this growing need."

The Wareham area expansion of the scheme was recently awarded Dunhill Medical Trust grant.

An Age UK spokesman said: "It is a shocking statistic that according to research, one million older people got for a month without speaking to anyone.

"Potential volunteers should enjoy meeting people, be a good listener and have about an hour a week to spare."

If you would like more information about volunteering for the Reach Out scheme, contact Lisa Holmes at lholmes@ageukdorchester.org.uk or on 01305 269 444.

There are also volunteer opportunities in Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland.