Day Centre at The Lodge in Oakham, Rutland, needs volunteers, says Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland

A support centre for elderly people is in desperate need of more volunteers after appeals for help failed to produce a single response.

The day centre based at The Lodge in Stamford Road, Oakham has been in operation for more than 40 years, with many of those who go each week very frail and, in some cases, having no immediate family support to rely on.

The centre is run one day a week by Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland, and provides a vital lifeline for up to 15 elderly people, offering help and support, as well as the opportunity to socialise, this being particularly important to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Yet despite repeated appeals for new volunteers not a single person has come forward.

Executive director for Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland, Tony Donovan, said: “It is a real concern.

"In the past, the local population has always responded magnificently to requests to help out with those less fortunate.

“We have always relied on volunteers to support staff at the centre and help us deliver the range of activities we offer.

“For nobody to come forward is a real blow and I cannot understand why.

“We desperately need three or four volunteers to help us provide this important service, which is a lifeline for many of the older people who come to the centre.”

Without more volunteer helpers Mr Donovan described the day centre facility as ‘very vulnerable’.

He added: “Without the service many would struggle to cope in their own homes, become isolated and could end up in residential care.”

The day centre operates every Tuesday, from 10am to 3pm.

Volunteers are needed to help with the various activities that take place throughout the day but don’t have to be there for the full five hours.

Anyone who can offer to come along for a couple of hours each week on a Tuesday would be a huge help.

People are also needed to act as escorts to help drivers transport people to and from the centre.

To sign up to be a volunteer at the day centre, contact Michelle Wright on 0116 2220542.

Age UK is an independent charity that works in the local community with the aim of helping older people live happier, active, fulfilled and socially engaged lives.