AN ORGANISATION offering a vital lifeline for older people in Huntingdonshire is so short-staffed that it cannot meet the demands placed on it. Now, Age Concern is appealing for staff to come forward to help relieve the backlog of appointments. Home help

AN ORGANISATION offering a vital lifeline for older people in Huntingdonshire is so short-staffed that it cannot meet the demands placed on it.

Now, Age Concern is appealing for staff to come forward to help relieve the backlog of appointments.

Home help administrator Becky Cooper said: "What we are looking for is anyone with a caring nature who can offer any time at all and is looking to make a bit of extra money."

Home helps visit elderly people in their homes to help with any jobs that need doing.

Friends Elsie, 83, and Geoffrey, 91, pictured, live in St Neots and have been using the service for a number of years.

Elsie, who is diabetic and suffers from reduced mobility due to a fall, said: "It is a very important service for us.

"Our home help Paul is a real lifeline and does all the things that we find difficult.

"He is only here for two hours a week but it is amazing how much he does."

In the St Neots area alone, there are up to 20 older people on a waiting list for help that Age Concern cannot meet.

Home help organiser Jane Finch-Pales said: "For many older people it is not just the help around the house that is welcome but also the companionship.

"What it comes down to is the chance to get paid for something you would do every day anyway - a bit of housework and a chat.

"It does not matter whether people have a couple of hours to spare or a whole day - any shifts will be considered."

All Age Concern staff have their credentials checked by the organisation to ensure they are suitable for the work.

Elsie added: "It is so nice to see a familiar face each week - we love the company."

INFORMATION: To learn more about Age Concern in Cambridgeshire, contact Becky Cooper or Jane Finch-Pales on 01354 659726.