People with time to spare are desperately needed to help give parents and carers of disabled people some well-earned rest.

The Shared Care Scheme recruits people of all ages and backgrounds to spend as little or as much time as they can with disabled people.

It aims to give the parents and carers of disabled people the chance to have a rest, go for a coffee or even just do the shopping.

The scheme is run by Mencap in partnership with Essex County Council and recruits volunteers from all over Colchester and Clacton.

Estelle Martin, Shared Care co-ordinator, explained: "We run two schemes, one for children and one for adults.

"We desperately need anyone who can spare from just two hours an afternoon or even a whole weekend.

"We have 28 adults waiting for the service and even more children."

Volunteers don't need to do anything special, they can act as a friend, take the disabled person to the pub, go bowling, take a child to the zoo or even just go shopping together.

Anyone who feels they could help, should contact Estelle Martin on 01206 798180

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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