West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her support to a charity which helps elderly rural residents get out for social gatherings throughout the year.

The MP visited the Nora Parsons Day Centre, which provides two days of entertainment and activities for elderly people living in 21 villages around Wichenford.

Volunteers run social activities for elderly people who often struggle to get out and about for most of the week. The charity is looking for drivers to help get people to and from the centre and is also seeking funds to help improve its kitchen facilities.

The centre is backed by donations from the local parish councils but funds have declined in recent years and Harriett, who is a patron of the charity, has written to the chairs of local parish councils urging them to keep supporting the charity.

Harriett commented:

“The Nora Parsons Day Centre has been offering help and support to elderly residents for decades, helping to make sure that people get out of their homes and spend time with friends in a safe setting.

“Social isolation has always been a big issue in rural communities and this charity is a perfect example of how communities get together to help their more elderly residents.

“I understand that over recent years, support, and in particular, financial support has waned and I have agreed to contact the parishes to make sure they plan to keep supporting this important local resource.

“There is also a need for more volunteers and if anybody has a few hours free a couple of times a week, I encourage them to reach out to the charity and offer support.”