Helpers are needed for Royal British Legion home

Mais House is the Royal British Legion home in Hastings Road which cares for ex-service men and women, and manager Sue Jones is appealing to the community to help out with many aspects of their lives.

She is asking for volunteers to take on a number of roles - from helping in reception or pouring drinks in the bar to tackling the flower beds or showing off those DIY skills.

Sue said: “We have a resident in his 90’s. He regularly digs the garden, plants bulbs and seedlings and potters in the greenhouse. What he really needs is someone nearby while he is working just to keep him safe.

“One of our plans for the future is to build a workshop. I know of several residents right now who would love to start work again. They want to use their hands to build and repair while drawing on the wealth of experience they have.

“Getting out into the local community is something we all take for granted. If I want to go shopping, visit a friend, sit in a local park or visit a local beauty spot, I just plan it and go. Many of our residents don’t have that level of independence although some do. We are always looking for minibus drivers who can take people to hospital and GP appointments or wherever they want and need to go.

“Many volunteers are willing to visit elderly people in the home. They befriend them, go on outings with them, read to them and much more.

“We need people to serve teas when we have an entertainer, we need them to man a stall when we are fundraising, we need them to man the gates at our Summer Fete and act as security on the doors for other events.

“We want all our volunteers to be well supported, well trained and happy. We offer everyone the benefit of a warm, lively, comfortable environment. We provide training, not just for the area of volunteering you choose but also in more general areas such as First Aid, Moving and Handling and Fire Awareness. “All of our volunteers need an Enhanced CRB check and we can help you fill out the form and, of course, we will pay the cost in full.

Volunteering for any organisation and helping others is always worthwhile. If you don’t do it for us do it for someone, because in the end, you will really be doing it for yourself.”

Call Del Holmes, Activities Co-ordinator on 01424 215871, or email either [email protected] or [email protected]