Lord Mayor aids charity's drive for volunteers

THE Lord Mayor of Hull has stepped in to help a city charity that is desperately short of volunteers.

Coun David Gemmell will help launch a recruitment drive for the Hull Churches Homes from Hospital Service by staging an open event at the Guildhall next Wednesday.

The charity is looking for volunteers to help people who have been discharged from hospital or whose carer needs as a break.

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The event, from noon to 2pm, will give people a chance to learn more about the charity, which has been operating for 15 years.

Comedienne Tracy Wilder, who receives help from the carers' support service, will speak at the event, along with champion volunteer Irene Goodwin and carer Marie Dermot.

Organiser Michelle Mayo said: "The number of volunteers on the charity's books is becoming a concern.

"The carers' support service can count on the support of around 20 people and there are some 80 volunteers helping the adult service, although many aren't actively involved at the moment.

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"It's inevitable that people retire or find other commitments.

"However, we can't continue to offer the same prompt service unless we boost our numbers.

"By signing up for just a few hours a week, the Home from Hospital Service offers training opportunities, a chance to make new friends and boost employment opportunities, as well as helping vulnerable adults in the city."

West Hull lay minister Gemma Turner has rejoined the charity to boost volunteer interest in the church community.

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The 32-year-old mother-of-two is will spend a day each week visiting churches in a bid to attract more volunteers.

"I can't wait to get out to the churches to give talks and presentations about the charity," she said. "I want to find out what activities the various parishes are up to so that we can introduce Home from Hospital to them."

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