VOLUNTEER COLUMN: Helping people back on their feet after hospital

Littlehampton and Worthing’s British Red Cross branch are urging more people to join its ‘home from hospital’ scheme.

The programme helps provide short-term emotional and practical support to those leaving hospital following treatment and give them their independence and confidence back.

Help may involve shopping, light housework, signposting, companionship and confidence building. Some paperwork before training can start.

For more information on this and other volunteering opportunities in the area, contact Derek Moore, Arun Volunteer Centre co-ordinator, telephone 01903 731223, email [email protected] or call in at the centre on the ground floor, Bradbury Centre, 1-5 St Martin’s Lane, Littlehampton, from 9am to 4pm on Mondays and Thursdays and 9.30am to 4.30pm on Wednesdays.

The Chichester and Arun branch of Fun and Breaks (FAB) is appealing for people in the Littlehampton area to come forward and brighten the lives of disabled children and their families.

Volunteers are matched with a disabled child and their family to give them a short break of two hours a week or four hours a fortnight.

The role will involve taking part in activities with the child. This could vary from board games, watching television and arts and crafts to walks along the beach or enjoying the local play park.

Volunteers will receive the ongoing support of the co-ordinator and full training is given when they join the service and at regular intervals thereafter.

Arundel Museum Society is searching for a number of people to fill key roles at the new museum. The society is appealing for a marketing assistant to help promote the museum and its activities.

Other people are needed to join its front-of-house team. Duties would include welcoming visitors, taking money for admissions and selling items.

Morning and afternoon work is needed, with weekends being a priority. Another person is needed to assist with regular history walks around the town.

Royal Voluntary Service is looking for good neighbours in the area to help elderly residents with everyday tasks. Activities range from shopping and providing transport, to simply chatting.