Helensburgh pensioners can make new friends an enjoy a free cuppa thanks to a local charity's upcoming outdoor meet-up.

Visiting Friends, which helps elderly residents cope with loneliness, is hosting this year’s Walk in the Park in Hermitage Park on Saturday, July 6 from 11am to 1pm.

Visitors can make friends and find out about more the charity while they enjoy a peaceful walk and a free cup of coffee or tea.

Visiting Friends provides social events for elderly members of the community in order to help combat isolation.

The group offers coffee mornings, trips to popular visitor attractions, and seasonal parties for Easter and Christmas.

Loneliness has been proven to cause depression, general poor mental health, and declines in physical health in the elderly.

Many older people become isolated after becoming disabled, losing their partner and friends, and being unable to leave their homes often due to worsening health.

To read more about Visiting Friends, check out its Facebook page: facebook.com/VisitingFriendsHandL.