Volunteer shortage threatens elderly club future

The Guernsey Voluntary Service has appealed for help as it warns a lack of volunteers could force the closure of its Russels Social Club in St Martin.

The club provides a community lifeline for many older islanders, but staff said they had reached crisis point.

Manager Mandy Le Bachelet said: "If we don't have the volunteers, we can't provide the services."

She explained that the Russels Social Club currently operates with just one or two volunteers: "If we don't find more, we will not be able to run the service and the chances are the members of the club will be stuck isolated at home."

Volunteer Sarah Bamford, who helps out every Wednesday morning, said: "I come up for about half past eight till one o'clock. I go away and I feel I've really helped people."

She continued: "Loneliness is the biggest problem and I believe we are keeping them in their own homes. There is a need for us all the time."

Volunteer Helen Turvey stressed the importance of connecting with the older generation: "More senior people have so much experience and I think we shouldn't lose it.

"I think we should stay in contact as we'll all be there one day. I hope somebody will help me when I am at that stage."

Many of the current volunteers are in their 70s or 80s and while their dedication is key, Mandy Le Bachelet hopes to see younger people step forward: "Everybody says they've got busy lives. But that's what volunteering is all about. Give the time that you can. That makes such a difference to us."

Members of the club said it would be a huge loss to the community if the doors were forced to close.

Kathleen Shorto, who attends twice a week, said: "They help you whenever they can and that makes you want to come."

Beulah Le Page added: "I love it here, so if you can volunteer, people would really appreciate it."

Diane Renouf has been attending sessions for years and has recently started bringing her husband John with her to sessions.

She said: "It is the most wonderful place anybody could ever wish to come to.

"We need more volunteers to come and give a hand, otherwise we'd all just be sat at home watching television. I don't know where I'd be without this place."

Donna Le Gallais agreed: "We'd be so lonely without this place. The people here are very supportive."

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