Two charities have joined forces to find volunteers to help people with learning disabilities, living in the Moreton area, to increase their independence.
Two charities have joined forces to find volunteers to help people with learning disabilities, living in the Moreton area, to increase their independence.
For the past 20 years, Cotswold Friends, a charity that provides friendship, activities and transport for vulnerable people in the north Cotswold community, has been working in partnership with learning disabilities charity, Home Farm Trust (HFT), at its Moreton-in-Marsh service, to enable people to take a more active role in their local community.
This has included Cotswold Friends providing transport and volunteers to befriend people supported by HFT to take part in leisure activities, such as walking and swimming. Both charities are now keen to find more friends for people supported at HFTs Moreton-in-Marsh service which has been providing support in the local community since the 1980’s.
Among the people looking to find friendship are Amanda and Andy. Amanda, who has been supported by HFT for the last 15 years, is a keen photographer and would like to find someone with a shared interest in photography who could join her on wildlife walks.
“I would love to work in an office. My hobby is photography and I would really like someone to come with me to take photographs of local wildlife. I enjoy going out for coffee and cake and I really enjoy music, Jane McDonald is my favourite.”
Andy would like to find someone who shares his enthusiasm for sport.
“I enjoy watching football and rugby. I like playing darts, pool and snooker. It would be great to have someone to go with. I love Elvis. I like watching Elvis shows.”
Other people are looking for volunteers to go dog walking with, visit coffee shops and attend horse racing events. One lady would also like some support with caring for her pet rabbit.
Judy Johnson is a Manager for HFT, she said: “This scheme will provide a valuable addition to the existing day service. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cotswold Friends. For many people, with mild and moderate needs, funding cuts have resulted in a loss of support hours. This can cause some people to feel more lonely and isolated. Volunteers play a crucial role in combatting these issues, by helping us to provide the opportunities for the people we support to pursue their hobbies and take an active role in their local community.”
If you have a little free time and could befriend anyone who is supported by HFT please contact Sheryl Murray at Cotswold Friends.
“Volunteering for Cotswold Friends is a really rewarding experience; many of our volunteers tell me how their lives are enhanced by their voluntary work in the community. Please do contact me for an informal chat about the voluntary roles we have available.
Sheryl can be contacted on 01608 697007 or email [email protected]