Cotswold Journal

A Cotswold charity is in desperate need of some more volunteers so it can continue its vital support to full-time carers.

Befriending charity Cotswold Volunteers North, based in Moreton Library, Stow Road, currently supports 35 carers in the area by providing a dedicated volunteer to give them a giving a few hours valuable break.

The service is free of charge and provides a lifeline to the carers in the community who give so much of themselves to care for others. But with 8,800 people providing unpaid care each week in the Cotswolds - more than 10 per cent of the population - the need for this service has grown dramatically.

Kirsty Holder, Befriending Services Manager who runs the Carer Respite service, said: “The people our volunteers support really appreciate and look forward to their volunteer calling in for a chat and a cup of tea. They regularly tell us how much they enjoy these visits and how it has changed their life. It gives them something to look forward to, someone to reminisce with and someone to listen to them.

“Our volunteers often tell us how much they enjoy their visits and the friendships they have made. Volunteering can help you feel part of your community and gain experience and skills for work.

“If you have a little free time and can volunteer to provide a weekly visit to someone in your community who has very little social contact and give their carer a break, then please call us now we would all really appreciate your time.”

Moreton carer, Margaret Hope, said the carer respite service was invaluable to her. “Unless you are a full time carer, as I am for my husband John who has vascular dementia, you can’t possibly understand the importance of respite care, a time to catch up with desk work, meet friends or just have a nap,” she said.

“Hendry, John’s volunteer, is a very special young man, compassionate and caring, during the week he is studying for a Masters Degree and at weekends he gives his time to Cotswold Volunteers North.

“At a time when Government cutbacks have closed all the day centres and the Stroke Club has also closed due to lack of funds, Cotswold Volunteers North are very precious and a real godsend”.

For details or to volunteer, call Kirsty or Helen on 01608 652019 or email [email protected]