Nikki Please & Denise Goldstraw with Pam Sutherland in background working hard at Dartmouth Caring’s weekly Lunch Club
Dartmouth Caring is looking for more volunteers to help it support the elderly and vulnerable in South Devon.
The charity, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, has seen massive increases in demands for its wide range of services in particular over the last three years. It now helps 10,000 people every year, and is looking for volunteers to give some of their free time to helping others in the Dartmouth community.
Volunteers can take on a variety of roles, and at times to suit them. Helping out can include gardening; visiting those who can’t get out to or meeting some in town to have a chat over a coffee; being a volunteer driver with clients needing to go to hospital or other medical appointments; picking up prescriptions or shopping; assisting with other volunteers at our clubs and groups; and also helping us at fundraising events.
Dartmouth Caring Manager and Coordinator Alison Stocks said: “We are hoping that more volunteers come forward to help us in our vital work. We are very flexible, so if you might be interested, but are worried you can’t commit to a large role, chat to us. Whether once a week or once a month, every bit of time you can give is valuable to the Dartmouth community.
“If you were to drive clients to appointments we can give you 45p per mile as expenses, so it won’t cost you anything and can be a wonderfully rewarding. Our charity has been recognised by the Devon Association of Voluntary Services as a good example of how charities should operate to help their community, and we hope more people from Dartmouth will come forward to assist others in this way.”
Dartmouth Caring chairman Dee Nutt said: “As a volunteer myself I can testify to the fantastic rewards giving up your time to help others can give. I think that to volunteer not only helps others; it gives you a boost too. We are seeing big increases in demand for our services, and if we could attract more volunteers I’m sure it will be a big help.”
If you would like to volunteer for Dartmouth Caring, call the office on 01803 835384 or email enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk.
Phil Scoble 