HITACHI Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions has announced its support of a new Contact the Elderly group for Trowbridge and the surrounding areas.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Contact the Elderly is the only national charity solely dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people, aged 75 and over, through regular face-to-face contact.

The new Trowbridge group is now recruiting for roles including a group coordinator, drivers and hosts, with each role requiring a couple of hours for one Sunday a month.

Simon Oliphant, chief executive of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said: “We are really proud to sponsor and support Contact the Elderly.

“As a provider of thousands of vehicles, it’s inspirational to see how someone’s car and time – two things we often take for granted – can make such a difference to the older generation.

“We and members of our own families may at some stage face loneliness and isolation through losing our support networks so having the opportunity to support people who are in this situation now with a few hours of our time is incredibly rewarding.”

Group coordinators are tasked with arranging the monthly outings, rebooking the annual host schedule and are the main contact for the group’s volunteer drivers and hosts.

Drivers use their car to collect one or two older people from their home, driving them to the host to spend a couple of hours together over tea before returning home.

Meanwhile, hosts provide the warm welcome with a simple afternoon tea with sandwiches and a few cakes for the older guests and the volunteers twice a year or more.

“I don't think people realise how lonely and isolated these older people can feel. Just a few hours on one Sunday a month can make an incredible difference," said Christine, a group coordinator and driver.

“The support from Hitachi Capital, which has enabled the formation of a sixth group, is superb and I really hope this will be matched by locals offering their time for the new group.”

Those interested in these voluntary roles, can visit www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk, email suzan.hyland@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or call 0800 716 543.