A NEW organisation has been set up in West Devon, aimed at giving mature people in the borough the chance to try something new and benefit other organisations at the same time.

The Experience Corps, a national organisation set up and funded through the Home Office, encourages people aged 50 and older with spare time on their hands to volunteer their skills and experiences for the benefit of their local community.

It is run by a network of local ?animators? ? and now West Devon has its own, Jo Winterburn.

Jo said the Corps recognised that the over-50s have skills which could prove invaluable to community groups, charities and many other organisations.

She said the new, free service was going ?very well?.

?I?ve been able to make some really good matches. I?ve had several volunteers who are absolutely thrilled to bits with the placements I?ve given them? and the organisations have been as well.?

Jo said anybody over the age of 50 could become a member of the Experience Corps.

She said: ?It?s not just what professional skills or technical expertise you have. Instead, it could be things you have learned raising a family or even something which until now you have only considered a hobby.?

The Experience Corps is part of a Government initiative aimed at regenerating communities and restoring social values by involving more people in the life of their community.

Even if people only have a few hours a month to spare, they can let Jo know what they are

interested in and she will try to find a suitable volunteering opportunity.

Jo said she already has a database of thousands of opportunities ?crying out? for someone to help ? ranging from mentoring young businesses, driving and counselling to helping in charity shops and exercising animals.

?We aim to match the right person with the right opportunity, ensuring the best experience for all involved. Our objective is simply to make a difference ? the choice is yours,? said Jo, who is also keen to hear from organisations who feel the Corps could be of help to them.

To contact Jo call freephone 0800 10 60 80, or go to the website at http://www.experiencecorps.co.uk">www.experiencecorps.co.uk