‘Silver Circle’ in appeal for volunteers to avoid closure
A COMMUNITY group in Shepshed is facing the threat of closure if it is unable to attract new members and extra volunteers to help run the sessions.
The ‘Silver Circle’ is a club organised by volunteers at Shepshed Special Community Bus (SSCB) which meets on Monday afternoons from 2pm-3.30pm at the Community Centre, 47A Charnwood Road, Shepshed.
But membership levels have dropped in recent months and now SSCB co-ordinator Alison Sharp has issued an appeal in the hope of giving the group a fresh boost and to secure its future.
“We play bingo and have a bit of fun and laughter. It is a lovely group where they share stories, meet up with old friends and talk about the old times over a cup of tea and biscuits.
“There are currently eight members but we can accomondate more, but at the moment we only have one volunteer in addition to the bus driver and escort. Ideally we’d have three more volunteers to help the members.”
She said that for some people it was one of the few chances they have to get out to socialise and meet people and it was an ideal way to combat isolation and loneliness.
“If anyone is interested in attending and they can’t make it down to the centre on their own we can pick them up in the community bus and drop them back home again.
“The club has been running for more than 20 years and it would be a great shame to lose it but we are in danger of having to close it if we don’t get extra assistance. One of the ladies who attends has just celebrated her 99th birthday and has been involved at the club since it started, orignally as an escort and now as a member herself.
“If anyone knows of a neighbour who might like to join the club let me know and equally if anyone in the town has a couple of hours a week they could spend to volunteer at the club it would be really appreciated.”
Anyone wanting more information can contact co-ordinator Alison Sharp on 01509 650531.