Could you help a carer?

It comes from the Association of Carers which aims to provide volunteer cover for carers in desperate need of a break.

Jo Oliver of the Association of Carers commented: "Being a carer can be a very isolating situation. Even if you live in a busy road, in the middle of Bexhill, you can still be unable to go out because you can't leave your loved one alone for any period of time."

The Association has therefore been recruiting volunteer visitors to visit for about three hours each week so the carer can pop out and have a break from the continuous caring role. Jo said: "Our Volunteers are like a friend to the cared-for person and many friendships are formed between the two of them and the carer.

"For some reason many of the new recruits are male, which is wonderful, but now we are struggling to find volunteers for people who care for a female as we do not sit male volunteers with female cared-for people.

"We currently have 25 carers on our waiting list, 12 of whom are living in Bexhill, 7 are female and living in Bexhill. We also have another 7 across Hastings and Rother.

"Our volunteers just 'sit' with the cared-for, offering companionship and stimulation as they can feel equally as isolated allowing the carer three hours to recharge their batteries and do whatever it is they want or need to do. No nursing or domestic duties are ever carried out by our volunteers and all their travelling expenses are paid for.

"We really need more volunteers from all backgrounds who are able to visit each week (you are allowed holidays - of course!) and you don't have to be able to drive, we can arrange lifts if necessary."

If this interests you please call the office on 01424 722309 or visit us at www.associationofcarers.org.uk The Association of Carers is a registered charity which provides a FREE respite service to Carers in Hastings and Rother.