More volunteers are needed to help people settle in at home after leaving hospital.

A charity, Care Network Cambridgeshire, is calling for people who will offer help, including doing shopping, getting prescriptions and calling in for a chat to make sure people are ok. They will reassure patients that they will not be abandoned once they reach their own front door.

One former elderly patient summed up the need when she said: “When I came out of hospital, I was fairly confident about going home, but I couldn’t walk. So, to start with, the volunteer would do my shopping and popped to the surgery to get my prescriptions for me. I must say that I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.

“She gave me numbers and leaflets of places and things I might need and she explained it all. I can’t praise her enough. I’ve got to 82 without knowing this charity existed. I’ve never needed any help before. I can’t thank them enough. It made all the difference.”

Care Network Cambridgeshire is being given Government money to expand its work with Help at Home volunteers.

Hilary Johnys, the charity’s direct services manager, said: “The funds are being used to enable our staff to visit wards regularly, talk to patients who are being discharged, offer help and find volunteers to offer practical support when they get home.

“All our volunteers are trained, supported and paid expenses. A few hours a month can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

INFORMATION: To find out more or volunteer, see the website www.care-network.org.uk, email volunteering@care-network.org.uk or call 01954 211919.