AGE Concern has just one volunteer carer in Ludlow - and she is 84 years old!

Mrs Pam Halliday walks with the aid of a stick but for one day every week she visits a 90-year-old woman for a few hours to have a chat and provide a bit of company.

"I just want to give something back," said Mrs Halliday. "I returned to Ludlow in 1981 and I was active in lots of things but now I see this as putting something back into the community."

"The lady I go to is blind but I'm just a home visitor and I provide a bit of company. She has people who come and cook for her and so on. I've met her family too and that makes it so much more interesting."

Campaign

Mrs Halliday volunteered via Age Concern in Tower Street and now the charity's volunteer recruitment officer, Heather Williams, is launching a campaign to find more people in Ludlow willing to visit frail, elderly folk in their homes.

"No nursing care is required, just the willingness to have a chat and a cup of tea and bring the outside world to someone who finds it difficult to go out," said Heather.

"We are not looking for anyone of a particular type and no past experience is needed, just ordinary caring individuals of all ages."

Out-of-pocket expenses will be paid and carers need only visit for a few hours a week or a fortnight. There is no fixed timetable and no problem with carers taking holidays or going away.

"Our home visitors love their volunteer work. It brings them great fulfilment and the meet interesting and likeable people," said Heather.

Any Ludlow person who would like to help should contact Heather Williams on 01743 233123.