A CARE trust is seeking volunteers from across the district to work alongside staff at its state-of-the-art dementia unit.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Centre for Mental Health at Airedale Hospital, issued the plea to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week.

Volunteers help make patients' stay in the Bradford assessment unit as comfortable as possible by supporting them with a range of activities.

Ward manager, Jacquie Edwards, said: "We support people who are very unwell with their dementia and have complex care needs.

"It can be a scary time for patients coming to unfamiliar surroundings and they often need one-to-one support with activities and lots of encouragement."

Among the current volunteers is Pat Rhodes, 77, who began helping a year ago following the death of her husband.

"I've met new people and learned new skills and it makes me happy that I'm supporting and helping others," she said.

"I'd encourage people to volunteer – it's very rewarding."

Full training will be provided.

Anyone interested will be invited to an information session next month.

For more details, contact volunteer co-ordinator Clare Bancroft on volunteer@bdct.nhs.uk or 01274 322662 by June 5.