Charity wants to serve more people across South Wales
A CHARITY is urgently looking for volunteers to help elderly clients with their shopping this winter.
Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale helps those in need to access support by recruiting volunteers to help with shopping, socialising, and daily tasks.
A report conducted by the charity says its elderly clients have struggled with separation from their loved ones.
It also shows that fear and anxiety around Covid has impacted their physical and mental health.
As a result, the charity developed a shopping service where volunteers help elderly people who are shielding, do not have any family members nearby, or have mobility issues.
Clients pay £5 per shopping trip to the organisation, which helps to cover their services. A volunteer will then do a weekly shop for the client and deliver it to their home.
“They have been my lifeline,” said Albert Ball, 92, from the Cardiff area. He has been a client at Age Connects since January, 2021.
Mr Ball added: “I had a fall in the house and I ended up in A&E. I live alone and have very few connections outside.
“Age Connects sent a couple of volunteers over to me and they do my shopping once a week. It has enabled me to continue living alone.
“They are very good; the help is ideal, and they bend over backwards for you.”
The charity has been working and supporting the elderly for over 57 years.
Angela Jones, 47, is a volunteer manager at Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, managing the community support project.
She said: “Over lockdown, the demand of referrals increased as many of our clients had to isolate or had limited access to family members.
“We are always in need of more volunteers to help with our services. There are no requirements to become a volunteer, but a car is handy to carry all the shopping, especially in the winter.”
Stephen Rees, 59, has volunteered at Age Connects for the past five months.
He said: “I’m semi-retired and have a few rental properties that I manage, so I have some free time on my hands.
“I volunteer one morning a week and I help shop for two people.”
Mr Rees added: “I would definitely recommend volunteering at Age Connects. It’s flexible and it gives you an opportunity to give something back.
“If the position is right for you and if you have the spare time, they are always looking for more people to get involved.”
Other services provided by Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale include:
- Friendship and practical help
- Barry Wellbeing Centre
- Know your rights/ have your voice heard
- Claiming benefits
- Supporting health services
- Nail cutting services
To volunteer for Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, please download the application form and return the form to helen.prior@ageconnectscardiff.org.uk, or post to Helen Prior, Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, Unit 4 Cleeve House, Lambourne Crescent, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5GP.
