Make a difference for a whole winter

Oct 30 2008 Buckinghamshire Advertiser

Tuesday was national Make a Difference Day, but I would like to invite your readers to make a difference for a whole week this winter.

I work for a charity called Vitalise,which runs an accessible holiday centre for disabled adults and carers, called Jubilee Lodge, in Chigwell, Essex. The people who come here always tell me just how desperately important a break is in their lives. Even one week per year can make the difference between coping and despair.

I would like to invite your readers to spend a week of their time - or just the odd day - helping our guests have a much-needed break. We are open all year round, but we especially need people to come and help during the winter months.

We welcome volunteers from age 16 upwards and there is no upper age limit. As long as you are reasonably fit and active,your enthusiasm and warmth is all you need to have a memorable week.

Ninety-nine per cent of our volunteers told us they found their time with us rewarding and useful.

Our volunteers get a real boost from helping others. A recent volunteer at Vitalise Jubilee Lodge said: "My husband and I always enjoyed helping others. Now that I have more time on my hands it's a chance to meet different people and new friends, old and young.I always come away with something extra from the experience."

Volunteering for Vitalise is tremendous fun and a fantastic opportunity for you to put your skills and experience to good use and to make new friends from all over the world.

There is no long-term commitment and all your accommodation, food, travel and insurance is free,so why not give us a call and try it out?

For more information or an informal chat, please call me on 020 8501 2331 or visit www.vitalise.org.uk

 EDDY MARIE

Vitalise Jubilee Lodge www.vitalise.org.uk