Volunteers needed to help Northwood elderly

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help and befriend elderly people who live alone in Northwood.

Northwood Live at Home Scheme was set up 10 years ago to help the elderly remain independently in their homes by befriending them, providing a shopping service and organising outings, lunches, and tea and chat sessions.

Diane Hawksworth, assistant manager of the scheme, said: "We need volunteers to befriend members, assist them with their shopping, and drive them to and from activities to prevent isolation and prevent them from having to go into residential care.

"They may be matched with a member and they can visit them in their homes once a week.

"We also need volunteers to chat to members and serve tea at lunches and tea and chat sessions.

"We have 95 members and 55 volunteers but we need another five to 10 drivers because community transport is not cost affective.

"Volunteers are the core of the group and without them the scheme wouldn't exist.
Marjorie Rackley, 88, of Norwich Road, Northwood Hills, has been a member of the scheme since it was set up.

She said: "I had a hip replacement, I lost my husband, and my eye sight went all in one go so I was on my own. I joined the scheme because of the different places you get taken to and I never miss the tea and chat sessions unless I am ill.

"A volunteer who used to help me now visits me as a friend. They are wonderful and the scheme would fall flat without them."

Volunteers are needed for about two hours a fortnight between 10am and 4pm. For more information call 01923 842 494 or email northwood-lah@btconnect.com.