Volunteers needed in Ludlow and south Shropshire by Age UK

News from our partners Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a local charity providing a wide range of services for people over the age of 60. The charity is looking for volunteers to help with their befriending and home from hospital services in Ludlow and the south of the county. 

In south Shropshire alone, the charity directly supports over 300 older people providing help around the home as well as companionship through befriending and assisting older people discharged from hospital, requiring support whilst they recuperate. 

These vital services could not run without the dedicated team of 900 volunteers who are the life blood of the charity. Giving up an hour or two of your spare time can make all the difference to the life of an older person who may be suffering from loneliness and lack of mobility. 

Befriending volunteers spend on average 1-2 hours a week visiting an older person in their home, providing companionship, taking them out to a coffee shop or accompanying them to an activity in the community to meet other people. 

Home from Hospital volunteers provide short term non-medical support to older people for up to six weeks after returning home following a stay in hospital. Tasks may include shopping, light housework or even dog walking. 

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said:-

“The home from hospital service is vital for older people who have no family and friends locally to help them get back on their feet after an operation or illness. Our volunteers in south Shropshire have been supporting a lot of people over this recent cold snap and find it very rewarding”. 

If you have a couple of hours to spare and would like to find out more please call Janice or Claire at Age UK STW on 01743 58570, email volunteering@ageukstw.org.uk or visit www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk