Do you have a little time to spare to provide occasional help and support to older people? If so, a new community group being set up in Holsworthy called TorrAGE would like to hear from you.

Speaking at the first meeting in Holsworthy of the TorrAGE steering committee last Thursday, Neighbourhood Links Project development worker Anna Malone said they were now seeking volunteers in the town to set up a network of befrienders as well as new social activities for people over 60. Two key volunteers were now needed, one to co-ordinate the volunteers and another to co-ordinate social activities and events.

Volunteer co-ordinator, Linda Bealey, said there were already many people around Holsworthy who regularly called on isolated or lonely people, maybe recently discharged from hospital, providing them with support and friendship, and practical help with day to day tasks such as shopping and form filling. She said they had already recruited a volunteer gardener and three befrienders but now they needed to find others.

They also needed to identify gaps in social activities for older people in the town and try to fill them. Something on the lines of the recently defunct Friendship Club was suggested. In the next few weeks appeals for help and ideas would be made to caring organisations and individuals in the town.

If you can help, please contact Anna or Linda on 01805 622666.