Helpers needed to make older people’s lives less lonely

An award-winning local charity which helps older housebound people in the Staffordshire Moorlands keep their independence is looking for more helpers.

Home Link, which began in Cheadle in 1986, provides contact and support for people who want to remain in their own homes for as long as is practical. And the organisation needs more volunteers to befriend its elderly members on a one-to-one basis now that it has expanded its services into Leek.

Befriending Co-ordinator Diane Sellers explained: “We have a superb network of helpers who give up an hour or so of their time each week to call in on our members for a cup of tea and a chat.

“Many members are housebound and have no family living nearby and our volunteers provide vital friendship and support but, quite simply, there aren’t enough of them to go round.

“Befrienders are not expected to carry out domestic tasks or caring duties – the aim is purely social contact – and we provide lots of support.”

Volunteer Jane Keeling, a retired office manager, has been visiting 83-year-old Marjorie Mayer in her home town of Cheadle for the past twelve months. Jane said: “I really enjoy my visits to Marjorie and we sometimes go out for lunch or visit a garden centre. I feel as though I am bringing a bit of normality back into her life and we both get enjoyment from the visits.”

Miss Mayer, who herself puts something back into Home Link by phoning other lonely members for a regular chat via the Phone Link service, said: “Jane is a very good friend to me and I feel as though we hit it off from the start. We both speak the same language and we are interested in similar things. It’s great to have someone call in for a natter about what’s going on in the world.”

Volunteer Pam Piggins, aged 72, from Cheadle, said: “I get a lot of pleasure from helping Home Link as a befriender. I think it’s a two-way thing and I really enjoy visiting members to bring them a bit of company as well as helping out at the Christmas parties held in the church hall in Cheadle. There is always a really lovely atmosphere. I can recommend volunteering to anyone.”

Helpers are needed in all areas including Leek, Cheadle and the surrounding villages. For more information on the befriending scheme, contact Home Link manager Helen Wainwright on 01538 750511.