REGULAR meet-up sessions for older people in Burley-in-Wharfedale are to continue for a further 12 months with the help of a charity.

The monthly Cuppa, Cake and Company sessions at St Marys Parish Centre, Station Road, were set up this year in a combined effort by St Mary's Parish Church and social care services provider, Creative Support.

Cuppa, Cake and Company is specifically aimed at those older people within the community who may be suffering from social isolation and loneliness and whom may rarely have the opportunity to go out.

It is also a dementia friendly group, and carers are welcome to join.

The project came about by St Mary’s Parish Church trying to identify which areas of the community might feel they needed more support and care. The aim is to provide an environment where people feel uplifted, cared for and valued where previously some may have felt ‘left out’ or forgotten.

It is hoped this will increase a sense of wellbeing and outlook for many.

Organisers of the project have now learnt that the future of the sessions has been assured, with an injection of funding.

Andrea Pickersgill, community links facilitator at Creative Support, said: "Becky Berry from the St Marys Parish Centre and I are ecstatic about the fact that we have just received confirmation from the Home Instead Senior Care Bring Joy Foundation, who have kindly agreed to fund the Cuppa, Cake and Company sessions for a further 12 months, which means that we can now continue this highly successful older persons group until December 2016. Becky says this is the best Christmas present ever

"The funding will pay for the community transport, an entertainer as well as refreshments and cakes."

At the most recent session, older people were entertained by more than 20 children from Year 6 from Burley Oaks Primary School, who sang Christmas Carols.

Afterwards, the children who were treated to juice and cakes, mingled and chatted with the older village residents. The children were given a small gift to take home.

Organisers are keen to hear from anyone who has an hour or two to spare and would like to assist with these afternoons.

Sessions take place from 2pm until 4pm on the first Friday of every month. The first date in 2016 is January 8.

Contact Andrea Pickersgill on 01274 482438 for more details.