A local charity is seeking people in East Cambridgeshire who are interested in volunteering in 2016. Care Network Cambridgeshire helps people to stay healthy, independent, maintain social contact and prevent loneliness.

Help at Home Manager Lynette Hurren said: “We have seen huge increase in demand for our services last year which we expect to continue into 2016 and we know that many people would like the fulfilment of helping someone and find it very rewarding, even for just a few hours each month.

“We have an amazing team of volunteers who provide practical and emotional support for people who may be unwell or returning home from hospital and need a little bit of help. They also provide information about local services that they wouldn’t otherwise have known about. Demand for this sort of help is steadily increasing and we would love to hear from anyone who wants to explore how they can get involved and make a difference.”

A daughter explained how her mum had been helped: “It was nice to know you were there and the information has been great. I did think, though, that Mum wouldn’t accept any strangers in to help but she did appreciate the volunteer coming and looked forward to her visits. It made me feel like there were people out there who cared.”

Another client said: “When I came out of hospital, I was fairly confident about going home, but I couldn’t walk. So, to start with, the volunteer would do my shopping and popped up to the surgery to get my prescriptions for me. I must say that I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”

Could you be part of our volunteer team? Opportunities to help are flexible and can fit around other commitments. Volunteers give as much or as little time as they would like. Training and support are given out of pocket expenses paid. The charity can also help you set up a local group, scheme or activity for people in your community.

For more information please visit website on www.care-network.org.uk, contact: volunteering@care-network.org.uk or call 01954-211919.