THE vital role volunteers play in the community is being celebrated during Volunteers' Week (June 1-7).

The annual celebration of the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK is being celebrated in the district by the local charity Carers' Resource who are holding celebration lunches.

Volunteers play an important role in supporting the services offered by Carers' Resource to carers and vulnerable people who are at risk of isolation and people who may need support after being discharged from hospital.

Polly Hosking, 62, a retired teacher who lives in Ilkley, is one such volunteers with Carers Resource. “I had retired from teaching and wanted to do something practical, involving visiting older people," she said.

“When my parents grew old I realised how isolated and vulnerable older people could become, especially when they were not well.

“I think Home from Hospital is great because the client knows that they are going to see the same person, when they are going to arrive and exactly what is offered in terms of support.

“I am a grandmother of two little girls and help out with the childcare. I am a bereavement volunteer, read a great deal, sew and belong to a walking group.

“Being outside is very important to me and one thing I enjoy with volunteering is helping clients to gain confidence to get outside again and resume their interests, even if it is just going out to the shops.”

Volunteer work with Carers Resources includes telephone and face-to-face befriending for carers and older people and Home from Hospital, a service for people who have been discharged from hospital and need a bit of support to help them readjust to their daily life.

A volunteer, such as Polly, will visit a client every week for about six weeks to help with a variety of things, such as making sure they have adequate heating/electricity and food and have the right equipment to help with their condition.

All volunteers receive full training and ongoing support throughout their work.

Anna Jackson, Head of Development at the Carers' Resource, said: "Volunteers Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank our volunteers who give up their time to support our services for carers and clients.

"What they contribute is invaluable and we cannot thank them enough. Having these lunches will give them the chance to relax and enjoy being treated, and for them to share their experiences with one another."

The charity supports about 12,000 carers, including around 3,000 living inAiredale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more information at www.carersresource.org or call the Shipley office on (01274) 449660, Skipton on (01756) 700888, or Harrogate on (01423) 500555.