East Ren elderly people need you

The Royal Voluntary Service (formerly known as the Women’s Voluntary Service, then the WRVS) started in 1938, playing a crucial role on the home front during World War Two.

These days, volunteers of either gender (and all ages) are welcome — and needed — as the active East Ren branch expands its services, all aimed at helping older people to be more independent, and live life to the full.

Service manager Mike Robinson told The Extra: “Our volunteers really enjoy the work they do and they also get a great deal of satisfaction seeing the help they bring to the people using our services.

“As we expand, and adapt to the changing needs of the elderly, we need to recruit more volunteers to supplement our existing team.”

There are specific roles to be filled by members of the community with time to spare.

Drivers and passengers are required to help deliver meals on wheels in a set area, with an average commitment of one day a month.

Drivwers are also needed to take elderly residents to hospital and other medical appointments — around one trip a week.

The RVS is also on the lookout for a customer service volunteer — someone willing to visit elderly service users to discuss their individual needs and offer practical advice on using both RVS facilities and other agencies in East Renfrewshire.

And if you’re a dab hand at events planning, then a role in fundraising could be for you — volunteers are needed to set up and take part in events to help East Ren’s elderly community.

The Royal Voluntary Service is based at Eastwood House and office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-12.30pm.

Anyone interested in being involved is asked to contact Mike on 638 9914, or email [email protected].

To find out more about the organisation, visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

nDoes your organisation or community group have news to share? Get in touch with Gillian (address above) and you could feature in the next edition of The Extra.