A CHARITY which supports people with a terminal illness is calling for volunteer helpers to come forward and offer their time to boost a growing service.

The Marie Curie Helper service is free and matches trained volunteers to people living with any terminal illness to give them and their loved ones companionship and emotional support.

Volunteers typically give about three hours a week of their time, offering friendly conversation and providing information about local services, while enabling carers and family members to have a break for a few hours.

The service offers essential company which also helps to reduce isolation and loneliness.

Organisers are particularly keen to attract volunteers who own a car and are willing to transport people to social activities in the community such as shopping, going for a coffee, visiting a park or attending a support group.

While the Marie Curie Helper service has been available across Bradford for several months the charity is now keen to encourage more volunteers to join the team as they expect a growing need for the service in the coming months.

Andrew Oldham, Marie Curie Helper Service manager, added: “I am delighted at how the service has developed over the past year.

"However, I also know that the need for Marie Curie Helper will grow, especially for people who want to spend some time socialising away from home.

"Although we welcome non-drivers, I am particularly keen to meet car owners and drivers at the moment so we can meet the needs of the people we support.”

Volunteers receive training and are reimbursed for their travel expenses. The hours are also flexible as the service is available seven days a week from 9am to 9pm.

Dianne Hughes, an existing Marie Curie Helper volunteer who visits a family in Bradford each week, explained why she became involved.

She said: “I’ve been a nurse for many years, more recently a Marie Curie nurse.

"When I retired I knew that I still had a lot to give and when I heard about the Helper service I offered to be involved straight away.

"I have been visiting a family for several months now and it is a privilege to be able to visit each week.

"I’d encourage anyone to consider becoming a Marie Curie Helper volunteer as I know how much the service is needed. You don’t have to have any nursing experience and it’s very rewarding.”

The Helper project is also expanding across West Yorkshire and Craven.

To offer your time visit mariecurie.org.uk/helper, e-mail WestYorkshireHelper@mariecurie.org.uk or call 0800 304 7411.

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