Aireborough charity seeks more help to provide a lifeline for elderly (From Ilkley Gazette)

Aireborough charity seeks more help to provide a lifeline for elderly

11:00am Saturday 12th January 2013 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A charity that provides a lifeline to the elderly is appealing for volunteers to help with its vital work.

Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly with Disabilities is asking for volunteers to come forward – even if they can only give as little as one hour a week.

At the moment a team of 80 people do their bit to stave off isolation for the elderly by helping out with a wide range of activities and classes.

The charity, which also lays on shopping trips and a befriending scheme, is now asking more volunteers to come forward to help.

Chairman Brian Myers, who has been with the scheme for 14 years, stressed the importance of attracting more volunteers. “They are the lifeblood and without them we couldn’t continue,” he said.

“Without the charity there would be a lot of people staying in their homes all the time. A lot of people don’t have families and the only time they get out is when we take them out.

“It is so rewarding and fulfilling and we need volunteers, whether they can do one hour or 20 hours a week.”

Volunteer Hilary Pank, a retired teacher from Rawdon, works in the charity’s day centres and is also part of the befriending team, visiting an elderly lady who lives on her own.

She said: “For some of them it is a lifeline, without a doubt.”

The charity says even an hour a month or a phone call in the evening could make a massive difference.

On its website it says: “We have so many different services and activities going on that we are sure there is something that you could do to help that you’d really enjoy doing. Go on, give us a call.

“Volunteering isn’t scary, it can fit in with your life. It’s an amazing experience.

“We have volunteers who car drive, minibus drive, bake, organise activities and outings, help with admin, IT, update our Facebook page etc - the list is endless.”

For more information about volunteering with the charity, visit avsed.btck.co.uk or telephone 0113 250 1702.