A CUP of tea and a chat may not seem like a lot of effort for many people.

But for residents of Abbeyfield sheltered housing in St Clements, Oxford, it provides conversation and some welcome company from outside visitors.

Administrator Cath Greehy said the weekly coffee mornings are also a chance for the public to find out more about the charity.

She said: “We started last February with a view to bringing in people so the residents see new faces and so that people can see what we do. It’s independent living but some of the residents can’t come and go as they please.

“The mornings provide people with a nice conversation with people. We tend to do it as much for the residents as a social activity as offering people the chance to see what we’re about.”

Eric Ashford, 91, who has been living at Abbeyfield Oxford Society for around a year, said: “I like meeting other people from outside the house and having a good chat.”

To find out more, call 01865 790439.