AN elderly woman has spoken out about her daily battle with loneliness as part of a new effort to combat the growing problem in Inverclyde

Greenock woman May Craig is one of many people benefitting from local projects set up to tackle social isolation.

She attended a Great Get Together event in Greenock, one of thousands which were arranged across the country in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.

May, from Kilblain Court, said: "I can't get out of the house easily.

"I am on my own most of the time and every day feels like a Sunday.

"I am 90 so all my friends have mostly gone.

"My son visits as much as he can but the rest of the time you are looking at the four walls.

"I have no one else to speak to.

"Carers are in and out.

"It is just me and you get sick of your own company.

"It is so quiet."

The community connectors service set up by community care forum Your Voice and befrienders from the Development Trust hope to send out a message that no one should be left alone.

May was recently referred to the connectors team by her son and they have encouraged her to join some of the social groups run by the project.

She added: "I have just started coming to the groups but it is good just to be surrounded by people.

"It is nice to be in a crowd of people with noise."

The Community Connectors team, based in Your Voice, Clyde Square, reach out to people who are socially isolated and find groups for them to go to.

They linked up with the trust befrienders for a tea party to celebrate the national Great Get Together.

The Trust have around 30 volunteer befrienders who spend quality time with people who are on their own.

Community connector Julie Gillen and befriender co-ordinator Karen Wilkie organised the event.

They invited people along for tea and cakes, to find out more about local services and celebrate community spirit.

MSP Stuart McMillan, MP Ronnie Cowan and Provost Martin Brennan all came along on the day.

Mr McMillan said: "I think this is in the true spirit of Jo Cox. There is more that unites than divides us."

Volunteer Harry Milne, his wife Isa and Neil Crook all told the Tele about the impact events like the Great Together can have.

Harry said: "You get so much back from spending time with someone who is on their own.

"It is life changing."

Young volunteer Nicole Russell, 35, from Greenock, who offered complementary therapies at the event, added: "I just love being a befriender, spending time with people who are on their own. It makes me feel happy."