NEIGHBOURS can become good friends and Age Concern volunteers have proved this over and over again.

For its Caring Neighbourhood Scheme simply puts people in touch with the town's elderly residents for regular chats over the phone or house visits.

It is coming up to 12 months since the scheme was first set up in Preston and South Ribble, and local volunteer Flo McDonagh has been involved almost from the start.

The 78-year-old makes regular trips to see nearby Iris Goff who is 87 and has hearing difficulties. She still also sees former neighbour Gladys Taylor who has now moved out of the area.

Flo said: "All I do is make a cuppa and have a chat about the weather, the news, family and friends. I'll wash up any dishes lying around. It's basically a bit of company which gives both of us something to look forward to. Sometimes she doesn't want me to leave.

"I really enjoy it. It gets me out and about. As a widow, I know how lonely and long the days can seem."

More than 50 pensioners benefit from the project and around 35 volunteers have come forward for the good cause, but more helpers are urgently needed as seven elderly people are waiting to be matched up to willing visitors and callers.

As Flo says: "People should give it a try. It's very satisfying just helping and doing something for somebody else."

For more details, contact Age Concern on 01772 253079.

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