Helplink, the local charity that provides support and companionship to the elderly and the vulnerable, has an urgent need for volunteers willing to help meet increasing demand for its services.
Helplink began life in Heswall 22 years ago as a ‘good neighbours’ initiative and gives emotional and practical aid to people who are finding life a little too hard to handle.
The organisation desperately needs people who can spare a couple of hours here and there, and says those two hours can make a life changing difference.
In the past year, says the charity, Helplink volunteers have given almost 40,000 hours of support to more than 750 elderly clients, but adds that there are many other vulnerable people in need of a little help and company.
Volunteer Jo O’ Donovan has been a volunteer at Helplink for 7 years, and says it is the most rewarding thing she has ever done.
She says: “One of my regular clients is in her 80’s, is disabled and house bound, with no family or friends in the area. I shop for her and when I drop off her shopping she is always dressed smartly. She is amazing. She lives alone in her bungalow and the only time she leaves the house is to go to hospital appointments via ambulance.
“Without us I honestly don’t know how she would get food, and I am the only person who comes into the house for a chat each week.
“My clients always tell me how grateful they are as they don’t know what they would do without me – which makes me so sad on one hand, but so very glad I can help on the other.”
If you believe you can make a difference too, please call Helplink on 0151 648 3322, or email helplink@btconnect.com
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