A lifeline to the elderly and housebound, which has expanded to Walton, has made a plea for volunteers in the area.

Family Support is based at Hurlingham Chambers in Clacton and aids socially-isolated people by meeting their transport needs.

It also provides them with support through help, such as home visits.

The service was extended after they discovered a great need in Walton six months ago but they had to expand the services without any extra funding or help.

Organiser Faye Cooper said: "We have been using the staff that we already have and we're still hoping to hear whether the Walton Forum will help us financially."

She said currently they only have three helpers in Walton and they also have 100 clients on their books from the Weeley, Thorpe, Kirby and Walton area.

Mrs Cooper added: "People who can do social visits to have a chat and cup of tea and break the monotony for someone, who would otherwise sit on their own all day, are so valuable."

Family Support has a constant need for volunteer drivers but they should come from the Clacton area as that is where transport is based.

Anyone who wants further information can call Faye Cooper on 01255 432132.

Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003

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