CONTACT, a group for people with learning disabilities, is looking for volunteers in the borough to support their befriending service.

People with learning disabilities often find it harder thanother people do, to develop friends of their own and often mix with their parents' friends rather than their own peer group. They may have difficulties with communication, or independent travel.

Contact, set up in 1985, helps overcome these barriers, by providing safe and enjoyable opportunities for people to mix with others their own age, in ordinary social venues in the community.

There are currently five groups that go out each week to restaurants, bowling alley, the cinema and the gym.

Contact, based on Bury New Road in Whitefield, is reliant on a team of volunteers who accompany the groups along with a paid sessional worker.

The group is looking for volunteers, who enjoy fun and laughter and being out and about in the community. Contact is also looking for volunteers to help out with holidays that might be organised through the group.

Helpers will also be offered expenses. For more information telephone 796 1580.