A charity has just launched an appeal for Castle Point volunteers to help speak up for people with learning difficulties.

Bathias is an independent advocacy service for adults with learning difficulties and is seeking recruits to become advocates.

The idea is that they would form a partnership to help the person with learning difficulties speak up for themselves and help them interact with the community.

Citizen advocacy supervisor Mary Spurrell said: "Citizen advocacy is where volunteers befriend a partner to build up a long-term relationship to offer them support in their daily lives.

"This includes assisting them in domestic matters so they can live more independently and have more control over their own lives. It also helps them to get out into the community more and build up their social relationships.

"Volunteers will be paired up with someone with similar interests to share activities, such as shopping, swimming, or hobby classes."

Anyone who can help should call Ms Spurrell on 01375 857068.

Published Wednesday August 11, 2004

Published Tuesday August 10, 2004

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