Red Cross seeks helpers

The Red Cross is seeking for volunteers for its Home Support Service which helps elderly, disabled, socially isolated people undertake basic tasks such as banking, shopping and going to the doctor.

"We always have a large number of clients who need assistance on the Peninsula and therefore are always looking for volunteers to match up with those clients," said public relations officer Ms Katherine Wicks.

The Red Cross is currently looking for 20 new volunteers over the next few months to continue to run the service at its current level.

Operated with friendly visits and a haircut service for several years, the service has expanded to offer clients access to the local community through assisted shopping, banking and other essential activities.

Red Cross coordinator Ms Debbie Walters said that the program now supports over 200 clients, and was growing at such a rate that 20 new volunteers were required by the end of September.

"I don't think people realise how many elderly and disabled people simply can't leave their house to do all the basic things we take for granted.

"Over the past 12 months, we've received over 500 referrals and we desperately need more volunteers to keep up with the demand," Ms Walters said.

"We're looking for volunteers who have compassion for the elderly and people with disabilities, have a drivers licence and reliable car, and can commit to helping out once a week particularly with shopping.

"It's an opportunity to form a genuine friendship that will really brighten someone's day and our volunteers seem to get as much out of it as the people they help."

Red Cross is running a training session for new volunteers in the next month and encouraged anyone who would like to help a socially-isolated person access the community to contact 4324 3411.

Press release, August 30 Katherine Wicks, The Australian Red Cross