Contact the Elderly, which is known for hosting tea community tea parties for older people, will be known by a new name

A charity which provides vital support for older people has changed its name.

Contact the Elderly – best known for holding tea parties in the community for older people – will now be known as Re-engage.

The charity, which was founded in 1965 to tackle social isolation among older people through regular events, has said it is planning to create a wider range of social activities to support people over the age of 75.

“It is a big decision, changing a name,” said chief executive Meryl Davies. “And a decision not to be taken lightly. But when it becomes clear that a charity’s name is getting in the way of achieving its goals then the decision, though big, should be easy.

“Our charitable objects and the fundamentals of what we do remain the same, but we have updated how we talk about ourselves and how we develop new activities. Our vision is a world where no one is ever too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction. The work we do is always positive: we exist to inspire encounters, to facilitate connections, to make spaces where friendships can flourish.”

The rebrand, which cost a total of £45,000, was entirely funded through a grant from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Across Scotland, more than 1000 guests regularly benefit from the tea parties which are seen as a vital lifeline of friendship for many.