A group in Northwood which organises activities for older people is appealing for volunteers.
The Northwood Live at Home Scheme organises a variety of activities in the local community, reducing isolation and enabling them older people to make new friends and enhance their enjoyment of life.
Some of those who find it particularly difficult to get out find it very helpful to have a befriender to visit them in their home for a cup of tea and a chat.
Jo Wild, scheme chairman gave some more details.
She said: “Our staff match volunteers and members to ensure they’ll get on well and training is given. We currently have a waiting list of 10 members who would love some company. If this is something you might like to consider doing, please get in touch with the office on the number below.
“It would be fantastic to reduce this waiting list to zero. Befriending should be done regularly, preferably once a week, but even once a fortnight or so is appreciated. Volunteers who become befrienders find it extremely enjoyable and rewarding.”
The scheme is also short of drivers to take members with mobility problems to activities.
Jo explained: “This need not be a regular commitment, but the more drivers we have on our list, the less we have to spend on taxis. Our members also feel safer being picked up by a volunteer.”
If you are or know of someone who might benefit from becoming a volunteer or a member, you will be made very welcome. The scheme is open to anyone locally over the age of sixty still living independently, though most members are in their eighties and nineties.
To find out more about Northwood Live at Home, please contact the office on 01923 842494 or visit mha.org.uk/community-support/live-home/northwood
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