VOLUNTEERS are being sought for a new scheme set up by a Malvern charity which aims to prevent social isolation in the community.
Community Action will be launching their Helping Hands project next Monday and Tuesday (September 5 and 6) in the town’s Morrisons store at Malvern Shopping Park.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Community Action prevent social isolation among residents by offering transport and running social activities such as Sunday Tea Club, Cinema Club and Shoparound.
However, to get the Helping Hands scheme off the ground, the Belle-Vue Terrace based charity is seeking volunteers who can spare a couple of hours each week to brighten someone’s day and provide much-needed support.
The project will see volunteers visit clients in their own homes for a few hours to do domestic tasks such as shopping, housework, gardening, phone calls and helping with letters plus many more everyday tasks.
The charity hopes this can be done on a regular basis so each volunteer and client can build a rapport.
Yvonne Kennedy, who set up the Helping Hands scheme, hopes the project will make an instant impact to people’s lives.
She said: “When someone tells you that you are the first person they have spoken to in two weeks, it makes my heart sink.
“We are hoping this service will combine seeing a friendly face with helping someone do jobs they haven’t been able to do for ages.
“We are hugely grateful to Morrisons for giving us the opportunity to promote the service at their Malvern store.”
Community Action chairman Chris Kirk added: “Helping Hands is our exciting new initiative which we have developed within the Malvern area.
“It will enhance the services we already provide and continue our aim of reducing social isolation in our community.”
Anybody who wants to volunteer for the Helping Hands scheme or would like to play a part in Community Action’s services should call 01684 892381 or email [email protected].
Alternatively, people can visit Morrisons at Malvern Retail Park on Monday and Tuesday for more information.
