VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help people living with dementia and those who care for them.

The Alzheimer’s Society is looking for people to assist with a new support and advice service.

Tina Kierman, the society’s support services manager for Fenland, said: “There is a special need for extra helpers in Fenland because of the district’s large elderly population and the fact that many live in far-flung villages with limited public transport. Their isolation makes it harder for them to cope.

”Volunteers don’t have to have any special qualifications or experience. They need to be good listeners and be able to communicate clearly and be willing to learn. They will be given relevant training dependent on their role and will receive all agreed out-of-pocket expenses.”

The Dementia Adviser Service has been launched recently across the country. It aims to give people living with memory loss and their carers vital information, geared to their particular circumstances, and help them access support services.

Karen Day, the Dementia Adviser in Fenland, and volunteer Jackie Wright manned a stall at this month’s Golden Age Fair in Manea, where they handed out leaflets advertising the new service.

The Alzheimer’s Society was one of more than 30 organisations represented at the fair, which was visited by 140 people. It was organised by Fenland District Council, Manea Parish Council and the Royal British Legion in Manea.

Councillor Mac Cotterell, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for Golden Age, said: “We are here to support all the organisations, like Alzheimer’s Society, that assist older people in Fenland. We know that many people are unfortunate enough to live with dementia and we want to do all we can to get them the help they need.”

• Anyone interested in volunteering with Alzheimer’s Society should call the local office on 01945 580460, e-mail tina.kierman@alzheimers.org.uk or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk