RAMSBOTTOM residents are being urged to sign up to a scheme aimed at improving the lives of autism sufferers.

Bury Council's Befriender Scheme is hoping to recruit a group of volunteers to spend a few hours a week supporting young people with autism in their family home or helping them access social and leisure activities.

The council's Children's Disabilities Team launched the scheme in partnership with the National Autistic Society in September. Ten people were successfully recruited on the scheme and, on completion of their voluntary work, many continued and are now linked to families.

The council say Befrienders play a vital role in making a difference to the lives of young people in Ramsbottom as people with autism generally find difficulty in developing social skills which can leave them leading lonely, isolated lives.

The scheme, funded by the Children's Fund, recruits and prepares its volunteers to deal with difficult situations and teaches them how to support families and young people with autism.

Befrienders are not required or expected to be experts in the condition as the scheme provides all volunteers with training and support.

The scheme is searching for people who are reliable, dependable and willing to learn and who can show empathy and understanding towards individuals and their families.

David Scowcroft, the council's Volunteers Coordinator said: "The Befriender scheme is a fun, flexible volunteering opportunity, which will give volunteers new skills and a feeling that their work is valued and beneficial."

The scheme will refund volunteers' travelling expenses, and can be used to gain recognition through the Millennium Volunteers and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes.

The next training for volunteers wishing to join up will take place on Tuesday evenings during March, at the Seedfield Centre.

Families affected by autism may be able to access the service if they live in the Bury area and have a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder between the ages of five and 13.

Anyone seeking further details about the scheme should contact Dave Scowcroft on 0161 253 6418.