Helensburgh pensioners can make new friends an enjoy a free cuppa thanks to a local charity's upcoming outdoor meet-up.

Visiting Friends - which helps elderly residents cope with loneliness - is hosting this year’s Walk in the Park in Hermitage Park on Saturday, July 1 from 11am to 1pm.

Visitors can make friends and find out about more the charity while they enjoy a peaceful walk and a free cup of coffee or tea.

A group representative said: “All are welcome to join the Friends for a stroll and or a cuppa from the Park Pavilion on us.

“The aim of the event is for the community to find out more about what we do – whether that’s becoming a volunteer with us or using our services, or simply if anyone would like some company and a chat.”

Visiting Friends provide social events for elderly members of the community in order to help combat isolation.

The group offers coffee mornings, trips to places such as the Burrell Collection, and seasonal parties for Easter and Christmas.

Loneliness has been proven to cause depression, general poor mental health, and declines in physical health in the elderly.

Many older people become isolated after becoming disabled, losing their partner and friends, and being unable to leave their homes often due to worsening health.

To read more about Visiting Friends, check out its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/VisitingFriendsHandL.

For more information on how to deal with loneliness, visit: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/loneliness-in-older-people.