Volunteers deliver the goods

Lynda Nicol Volunteers from LEAP’s Hands On Project in Strathaven took time out from their befriending and handyman duties in the run-up to Christmas to play Santa.

Thanks to donations from South Lanarkshire Council, Aldi’s store in Cambuslang, Tesco and Waitrose, LEAP – the Lightburn Elderly Association Project – had 150 food parcels to give away to elderly and infirm clients in South Lanarkshire, including 15 in the Strathaven area.

Janet Low, LEAP’s volunteer development co-ordinator, told the News the parcels were all well received by the recipients.

LEAP was set up 22 years ago and currently offers three distinct projects for older people all of which are volunteer-led.

These are the Hands On Service, which provides a volunteer led one-to-one befriending service and a handy person service and its Make a Difference Project, which offers assessment and advice on energy efficiency and acts as an advocacy service for those people affected by fuel poverty.

Last April, LEAP, which already operated in a number of areas including East Kilbride and Hamilton, received a generous grant from the Voluntary Action Fund to run a year-long pilot of the Hands On Project in the Strathaven area.

Since then it has proved popular with a growing list of local clients and volunteers.

The Hands On Project provides free basic practical assistance to people who are 50 years of age and over who are disabled, infirm and housebound.

The aim of the project is to help alleviate isolation and loneliness among older people and to assist them to retain their independence in their home and community.

It provides help with chores which range from carrying out small jobs in the household, such as washing the inside of windows, changing light bulbs, taking down and putting up curtains, fitting shelves and pictures and building small flat pack furniture free of charge (materials excluded), to simply spending time chatting with clients.

All services are carried out by local volunteers who are supported by a volunteer development officer and administrative staff. Anyone who would like help or who knows of someone who could benefit from the project, is asked to call 01355 433 102.

Folk interested in volunteering for the project can also get more information by calling the above number.

Santa’s helpers Strathaven resident Malcolm Graham was delighted to have a visit from volunteers Kathy Wood and Beccy McFarlane and volunteer co-ordinator Janet Low

Best of buddies Hands On volunteers Tommy Milne and Beccy McFarlane have a parcel for Strathaven pensioner Nancy Morris