A WEST Devon charity helping adults with physical and mental disabilities is celebrating a financial boost from Devon's Social Services department.

The Leonard Cheshire West Devon service has been granted around £10,000 to expand its enabling scheme for adults with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

Sonia Chapple, the charity's co-ordinator, said: 'The scheme has been running in Tavistock for some time.

'It now stretches to Okehampton and the wider West Devon area, covering people with all sorts of disabilities, not just physical.

'Perhaps if someone is in a wheelchair they need someone to take them to the bank. Perhaps if someone's living alone and not able to read and write, a volunteer can come in and read their post for them,' said Sonia.

There are about 18 volunteers working for the Leonard Cheshire charity at the moment, but with the expansion of the service, more are desperately needed.

Sonia said volunteers might need to give just an hour's help here and there, or sometimes longer, for example, taking a client on a theatre visit.

'There's so much need, even if it's for only an hour or two a week.

'Things that we wouldn't think twice about — like carrying shopping from the car — these people are not able to do,' said Sonia.

'It's actually very rewarding,' she said.

There are around 30 clients regularly receiving help from Leonard Cheshire volunteers.

Their help can increase the quality of life for people with disabilities within the local community and to maintain independent living.

In addition, and as important, the service gives carers a much-needed break.

Annie Foot, Leonard Cheshire general manager for Devon and Cornwall, said: 'We were really very pleased with the expansion and obviously we hope the money will continue to be made available.

'It's difficult to quantify numbers but in West Devon people are often living miles away from anywhere and there certainly is a need for the service.'

She said support provided by Leonard Cheshire is very cost effective, particularly when it allows people to live at home instead of requiring long term care.

'People want to have control over their own lives, they want dignity.

'We are able to support these people and it's tremendously successful.'

Leonard Cheshire works in partnership with West Devon Social Services and caters for people in Okehampton, Tavistock and outlying areas.

If you would like to know more about the service or are interested in helping as a volunteer, call West Devon co-ordinator Sonia Chapple on 01822 834141.