A Craven charity is mounting a major recruitment drive to boost its army of volunteers who support the growing number of people in the district looking after a loved one.

The Carers’ Resource, based at Broughton Hall, is looking for more people with time on their hands to make a difference right at the heart of the community.

Its Volunteers – Vital and Valued campaign contains a raft of flexible opportunities designed to fit in with people’s lifestyles.

As part of the initiative, the charity is holding a special event at its base at Griffin House, Broughton Hall Business Park, on Thursday, February 20, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, when people can find out first-hand about the options available.

These include its new Caring Callers initiative – supported by the Volunteering Fund - where volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to its success through telephone befriending, face-to-face support and online forum support.

Debi Hawkins, the charity’s projects team service manager, said: “As many as one in seven people in our community are now carers and we are in urgent need of more volunteers to support our work in helping them overcome the stress and pressures of looking after a loved one day-in, day-out.

“Volunteering is also seen as a way of making friends, learning skills, trying something new, helping others, and giving something back. For those looking for employment, it is also a boost to their CV and an opportunity to gain real work experience and confidence.

“The great thing about volunteering is that it’s so varied and flexible you can always find something to fit in with your lifestyle.”

For more information, call (01756) 700888.