Charity needs volunteers for the elderly

The charity is urgently looking for more volunteer befrienders, telephone buddies and minibus drivers in the Shrewsbury area.

Befrienders spend between one and two hours a week visiting an older person on a regular basis to provide company and conversation, enjoying a cup of tea and a chat, reminiscing or encouraging their hobbies They also give their support by promoting and supporting the older person’s independence, perhaps taking them out or accompanying them to an activity.

Telephone buddy volunteers go into the charity’s head office in Mardol Gardens and spend a couple of hours on either Monday mornings or afternoons calling lonely older people on the phone. Volunteers should be good listeners and able to start a conversation.

Volunteer drivers are also required for the Age Concern mini buses which transport older people to and from 10 Age UK weekly day centres in the Shrewsbury area. A full, clean driving licence is required together with a commitment to undertake the Minibus Driver Awareness Training (MIDAS) course.

Heather Osborne, chief executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “Volunteering provides a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of local older people who are lonely and isolated, and to be part of a dedicated team of around 800 volunteers across Shropshire. Training and ongoing support is provided and agreed expenses will be reimbursed. Please get in touch and find out more about volunteering with Age UK.”

The recruitment process is a completed application form, details of two referees, a DBS police check for the befriending and minibus driver roles and a commitment to attend training.

For further details or to apply call Janice or Claire in Volunteer Recruitment on or 01743 588 570 (Monday to Thursday), email volunteering@ageukstw.org.uk or visit the website www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk