LIFE can sometimes be dull or boring for someone who is lonely, so Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) is looking for anyone who can spare a couple of hours a week to help make life happier and more interesting for lonely or elderly people.

After a successful pilot project for the TASS Befriending Service, the charity is now preparing to increase the original team of six volunteers.

A six session training programme will begin this month and TASS is looking to recruit ten to 12 local people.

The charity is looking for both men and women of all ages, with a wide range of interests and experiences, who has time and commitment to give, whether they are retired, unemployed, a student, carer, someone unable to work through disability or a parent with spare time when their children are at school.

Some clients just want someone to pop in for a cup of tea and a chat, others want to go shopping, visit the pub, go to the cinema, go for a walk, a swim or the befriender can help them to join a local social group, take up an old or new hobby or go with them on a TASS outing.

Befrienders are provided with free training, have on-going support and have all their expenses paid. Everyone will have a Criminal Records Bureau check before they begin their voluntary work.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the Befriending Service, please contact TASS on 01822 616958 to get an application form.