As the children return to school for the autumn term or set off for university, parents and grandparents may find themselves with some spare time on their hands, or perhaps a newly retired person seeks ways to occupy themselves now that they are no longer employed.

Trowbridge Link is an extremely busy organisation which helps the disadvantaged, elderly and infirm members of our local community. As the number of older people in our area increases, our services are in great demand and we need more volunteer drivers, befrienders, and co-ordinators.

Using their own vehicles, our drivers take people to medical appointments, to social clubs and day centres, or to visit family and friends. Volunteers can also visit lonely people for a cuppa and a chat, or help with shopping for housebound or frail people who need someone to accompany them to a supermarket to help with loading a trolley or carrying bags.

For those with experience of office or admin work there is the opportunity to use these skills by becoming a volunteer co-ordinator, taking telephone requests for assistance from clients, liaising with the Link drivers, and maintaining the computer-based diary.

To become a volunteer with Trowbridge Link, all that is needed is a few spare hours a week and, most importantly, a caring and thoughtful approach towards members of our community who need a little extra support to maintain their independence. Volunteer drivers are also paid a mileage allowance towards the fuel costs.

To find out more about volunteering with Trowbridge Link, phone Sue Marshall on 01225 760643 or call the Link service on 07969 347042. The Link phone line is available from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday with an answerphone at other times.

Sue Holt, Trowbridge Area Community Link Scheme