A LOCAL charity has been forced to temporarily close its much-valued befriending service to new clients due to a shortage of volunteers.

Age UK Wyvern, which supports older people across Herefordshire and South Worcestershire, has launched an urgent appeal for compassionate volunteers who can spare just an hour a week to call or visit an isolated older person.

Caroline Savage from Age UK Wyvern said the demand for the service has far outstripped capacity: “We have a waiting list of 69 people who would love to receive a phone call or a visit from a friendly volunteer and urgently need more volunteers.”

Ross-on-Wye resident Barbara Tonkin has been a volunteer with the charity for over five years. As well as keeping in touch with her regular client, she also calls people waiting for a permanent befriender.

She said: “When I ring people waiting for a befriender, they are so pleased and even overwhelmed to know that they have not been forgotten. Ringing someone for a chat makes a huge difference to their lives, far more than you might anticipate.”

One client, who has been receiving weekly calls for several years, said the service had helped transform his life: “When I retired seven years ago the time could hang heavy on my hands. Now I know someone is going to ring me each week and wants to know what I’ve been doing. My befriender has helped me find things to make my life better. These days, I can even use my laptop to get online.”

Ross volunteer Stephen added that volunteers are never left without help: “I’m used to working by myself, but befriending is different. I’m part of an Age UK team and have got to know other volunteers. You always feel you’ve got support to back you up.”