TAVISTOCK Area Support Services (TASS) was recently applauded for its 'outstanding' work after a visit from the West Devon and Torridge MP.

Geoffrey Cox was given an update on how the centre has developed since his last visit 12 months ago, when he was joined by Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

TASS now offers even more outreach support through its two outreach workers and befriending service. Its transport service is 125% up on last year in getting people to medical appointments, and the minibuses are now being used every day of the year.

Mr Cox saw some of the activities offered by the charity, and spent time in the drop-in café, chatting to service users who regularly meet up with old friends and new over tea and biscuits.

He applauded the work being carried out by the centre: 'Community spirit is alive and strong in rural areas, people care, and this is why centres such as TASS are able to continue to support the needs of those over the age of fifty-five.'

His visit also enabled him to enjoy discussions with staff as to how the centre, which currently has around 180 volunteers, is continuing to deliver a first class service, despite the present financial climate and the increased pressures placed on it through changes in health and social care.

Mr Cox said:?'The work of TASS and its network of volunteers is vital in rural communities such as ours.

'Centres like this can make a significant difference to the lives of the elderly, who without them may suffer the burden of loneliness and feel trapped in their own homes, unable to get out and about.'

He reassured staff that frontline services for the elderly would be protected as much as possible from the need to find savings, especially transport, on which the centre heavily relies.

Andy Lyle, manager at TASS, said the biggest problem facing them at the moment was a lack of volunteers. He said they need newer vehicles and volunteers to drive them.

'At the moment, there are 30 volunteers in the Transport to Health Scheme, and 28 minibus drivers, but volunteers are needed to cover drivers on holiday.

'We cover 365 days a year now and across the border to Launceston, which has a lack of transport facilities. We just do not stand still and keep changing to meet the local need.

'Volunteers at TASS are overlooked for all they do, they are really the unsung heroes of our community, putting in many hours each week supporting the wellbeing of others. If we were to put a monetary value on their time it would be over £500,000!'

Judi Thornberry, one of two TASS outreach workers, said: 'It has been highlighted by Devon County Council that depression in older and disabled people is always a constant problem and the scrutiny committee appreciated that the work carried out by TASS volunteers helps address this through transport, befriending, information and advice, and the many outreach centres helping to keep people living longer in their own home and for many the community they have lived in all their life.'

TASS is always looking to recruit volunteers. Anyone wishing to find out more or who would like to join the team, can contact the Anchorage Centre on 01822 616958 or visit http://www.tasstavistock.org.uk">www.tasstavistock.org.uk