Charity needs some new friends to keep the elderly in touch
ACHARITY that has stepped up the level of new initiatives it is running is looking for volunteers to help maintain these efforts.
Since the beginning of lockdown Age UK Cheshire East, based at Henderson Street, Macclesfield, has worked hard to support older people who may have been left isolated. One of the key successes has been its new befriending service called Keep in Touch, in which volunteers make weekly calls from home to those who may not have much contact with other people.
The service currently supports 50 older people and has 15 volunteers but more help is needed as it grows.
Diana Goodger, one of the existing volunteers, said: “To help someone is the greatest thing you can do and the calls have become so important to them that it makes me feel amazing.
“I am in awe of some of the people I call each week. More people should do it, because it really does make you feel great.”
The charity is also looking for volunteers to work in its new furniture store, on Churchill Way, in Macclesfield town centre.
It says this can be great experience for someone looking at a career in retail.
And more people are needed for the Older Persons Scams Awareness Project, linking the scheme to community groups.
Damon Taylor, chief executive of Age UK Cheshire East, said “Volunteers are vital to enable us to deliver these really important services for older people.
“The roles we have developed are both rewarding and flexible and we would love to hear from anyone who has from as little as half an hour to a full day available each week.”
In total the charity currently helps more than 400 older people each week through its services.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Age UK Cheshire East on 01625 612958.