Ferrybank Post Office has launched a new offering in a bid to reduce loneliness within the community.

Upon entering the post office, there is now a pair of chairs and a table, on which stands a bouquet of flowers.

Every Friday, tea is available for those who aren’t ready to head off again after conducting their business in the post office.

Ferrybank Post Office Customers

Speaking to The Big Breakfast Blaa, Linda Kennedy from Ferrybank Post Office said many customers stay for a chat or find a reason to come back in later that day.

This, she believes, is symptomatic of the loneliness endemic within our society today.

A simple gesture of a cup of tea and an invitation to sit is a way to offer respect and kindness to older members of society.

Additionally, it is a way of strengthening new or existing friendships at a time in life when making friends can be challenging.

Linda said this was something staff had noticed amongst older customers, prompting them to introduce this incentive.