Sir – There has been much in recent news about the problem of loneliness for the elderly. Reports suggest that up to five million older people have only the television for company, and see friends or relatives only rarely.

I have recently come across a wonderful organisation that arranges tea parties one Sunday every month for small groups of elderly people in volunteers’ homes. The afternoons are full of laughter, and provide vital social contact for the guests.

However, more hosts are needed. If you feel you could commit to hosting one or two tea parties a year, and are able to seat eight guests at a table, please call 01865 310488 to find out more, or visit the Contact the Elderly website www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk

Stella Caldwell, Headington