A BEFRIENDING service in Knutsford is going from strength to strength, with an ever-expanding team of volunteers – but co-ordinators are still on the look-out for new faces.

Since The Royal Voluntary Service’s Dementia Befriending Scheme launched earlier this year, volunteers have been helping to improve the lives of elderly residents in the Knutsford area.

Knutsford mum-of-two Frances McGhee joined the scheme in July and said she gets great enjoyment from chatting to older people she meets through the role.

“The Royal Voluntary Service provided a good training programme on dementia before I began visiting and this proved very helpful,” she said. “It gave me a good insight into what to expect.”

Frances visits one of the service user George Henshaw at home once a week. George’s wife passed away a few years ago and since then he has had to give up driving due to his failing eye sight.

His son helps out with his food shopping and he manages to do a little work around the house and garden but he has been left feeling a little isolated.

As well as visiting him at his home, Frances also accompanies him to a luncheon club in Alderley Edge.

George said: “I really enjoy Frances coming to visit me. I enjoy our chats and now that we go out for lunch, I enjoy other people’s company as well. It really cheers me up.”

George added that he feels reassured there are other people who care about his well-being.

The service is appealing for more volunteers to come aboard the Dementia Befriending Scheme. If you have a couple of hours to spare a week and would be interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Johanne Roverts on 07442 497146 or johanne.roberts@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.