Staff at Mears, the leading social housing repairs and maintenance provider in the UK, have been challenged to work in their local communities to tackle the debilitating issues of isolation and loneliness. These devastating problems often affect older people and can be reduced by ensuring there are more events where they can meet new people and enjoy social activities.The West Bromwich branch of Mears have teamed up with Age UK to provide afternoon tea, the aim of the event is to bring older people together with local people of all ages. The afternoon tea will take place on Monday 14 July at Age UK, 154 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AD from 1pm to 3pm. It is being run as a drop in session and everyone is welcome.In addition to tea or coffee and delicious cakes visitors can talk to Age UK and Mears staff about local services which support older people. Both Mears and Age UK hope that this will be the first of a series of events which will provide a space for older people to meet, make new friends and enjoy a great social gathering.Carol Whitehouse from Age UK said: “We are delighted to be working with Mears and hope more events like this will bring more communities together as Age UK and Mears are dedicated to helping older people love later life.”Fiona Norris, Mears Customer Care Manager said: “We are dedicated to supporting our communities and finding ways to tackle isolation and loneliness. One of the really difficult aspects of growing older is that you can gradually become isolated and experience feelings of loneliness. We decided to take the opportunity to do something about this and we are delighted to be working with Age UK to provide events which can really bring people together.”To find out more about afternoon tea on Monday 14 July please contact Age UK on 0121 744 9549.