THIS month sees the return of a day designed to combat isolation, even more important during the coronavirus lockdown.

National Cup of Tea Day is on April 21 and is the fifth anniversary of the initiative and this year, as a result of the current pandemic, will be moving to a virtual platform, aiming to host Britain’s biggest virtual tea party via Facebook on April 21.

National Tea Day 2020 has created a pledge scheme to ensure that no one is left out, and every £10 donated will go towards providing “par-tea” packs to NHS trusts including tea, cakes, biscuits, bunting and balloons. Donations will also provide £4 to Mind, which helps those suffering from isolation and loneliness.

Diaz Ayub, National Tea Day founder, said: “Your generous pledges will help us provide care homes and NHS hospitals with more than 10,000 party packs and make a difference to many more through our charity partnership with Mind.”