AN URGENT appeal has been launched for volunteers to help people in Teignbridge remain independent in their own home.

The volunteer appeal has been issued by Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust for more people to come forward.

Volunteers play a vital role supporting the NHS such as meeting and greeting people when they arrive at hospital and helping them get to where they need to be; helping patients to eat and drink well to aid their recovery; or making sure patient notes and records are collected and delivered.

While there are about 400 volunteers working in roles across the trust, there are only eight care home volunteers, who play an important role helping residents remain independent, reduce an avoidable hospital admission, and help the NHS to focus on providing care for people, in the right place.

Care home volunteers play an incredibly important role supporting and befriending people, including those with a range of health conditions, frailty, and in some cases dementia, helping to reduce the impact of loneliness of people’s health and wellbeing.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Volunteering Coordinator Nick Payne has organised a week of events in September to share more about the benefits of volunteering to encourage more people to sign up.

He said: ‘Our care home volunteers are our unsung heroes.

‘There’s lots of research that shows social interaction combats loneliness and isolation and is important for health and wellbeing, and spending time talking to people who live in care homes and encouraging them to take part in activities has enormous benefits and can even reduce them being admitted to hospital.

'We are incredibly grateful to our team of amazing volunteers who give up their time to help in our hospitals, but we are desperately looking for more people to help support our care homes.

‘It’s a rewarding and varied role, and ranges from talking to people, helping at mealtimes, playing games and even helping them to use digital technology so they can keep in touch with their friends and family. You don’t need to have any experience as full training will be provided, and you can give as little or as much time as you are able.’

Nick will be at Tesco in Newton Road, Kingsteignton on Monday September 8 from 9am to 3.30pm and at Newton Abbot library in the Passmore Edwards Centre, Market Street on Friday September 12 from 9am to 1pm. All NHS volunteers are trained and supported in their roles.

Anyone who is 16 or older and wants to help enhance the experience and care of patients in Torbay and Sour Devon, please contact Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s volunteering team by calling 01803 656272 or visit the volunteering pages.