AN URGENT plea for more carers to support East Lancashire’s most vulnerable has been made.

The charity Care Network said more volunteers were needed to ensure that people with disabilities could cope.

Thea Monk from the charity said: “The help our volunteers give is vital, without this support many of our customers would not be able to live on their own and would feel very isolated.

“There is already a team of dedicated volunteers who provide invaluable support to people in this area to do their weekly shopping and we need more people to join this team.

“Without this support many of the customers would have difficult experiences at the shops and would struggle to get enough food for the week.

“Some of those helped by Care Network volunteers have physical disabilities, learning difficulties, some are older people and some have mental health problems or are carers of others.

"There is also a befriending scheme starting very soon where volunteers will visit people to make them feel less isolated, perhaps take them out or read to them – all important in helping people in the community to live more independent lives.”

Wheelchair user Michelle Regan, who uses the service, said: “The volunteers are a great help, they can reach things I can’t, help me pack my shopping and I couldn’t do this without them before.

“I found going to the supermarket a stressful experience before.”

Ruth Symonds, of Feniscowles, Blackburn, has been volunteering for over six years.

She said: “It gives me great pleasure to help those who have extra needs and bringing a smile to their faces from someone who is willing to help them.

"It is so important that there are volunteers to help them do their weekly shop.”

Care Network will have a stand in the The Mall, Blackburn, on Tuesday for potential volunteers.

Or call Thea on 01254 266668 for more details.