TAVISTOCK learning disability charity Robert Owen Communities (ROC) is using next week's National Volunteering Week publically to recognise the tremendous contribution of its volunteers.

ROC hopes to inspire even more local people to take an active role as it continues to expand and develop the range of activities on offer.

ROC-Welcome Tavistock is a social club for people with a learning disability, led by project manager Jane Anning.?It meets at the Alexander Centre.

Jane said the long established, former Gateway Club, was taken over by ROC in 2010 and formed a key part of the weekly activities of some 50 people with a learning disability — and numbers were still growing.

She said: 'We could not continue if it wasn't for our brilliant volunteers who do a fantastic job — and we have ambitious community-based plans for the club which depend on more volunteers coming forward.

'Local authorities do not fund social welfare provision so our volunteers really are crucial to ROC.

'In addition to more general volunteers, we need volunteers with specific skills — money handling, activity organising, arts and crafts, sport as well as community networking and journalism to name a few. However, we do see volunteering as a reciprocal arrangement — it's good for your physical and mental well-being and can help with the development of new skills and enhance employability.'

Margaret Allinson, of Bere Alston, has been volunteering for ROC-Welcome since last March.

Former shop worker Margaret, 66, said: 'I responded to an article in the newspaper. Although I had no experience of people with a learning disability, I took to ROC and its members immediately.'

Margaret's special skill is knitting, helping members 'cast on' and deal with mistakes. She gets involved with pool, dominoes and games in general and will assist with the club's walks activities in future —helping to bring people together with her interpersonal skills.

Margaret said: 'I have a lot to do with my two daughters and four grandchildren but I get lots of pleasure from working at the club as well; something completely different and with real purpose.

For further information about the range of ROC's volunteer roles contact Billie Burnett at West Devon CVS on 03306 600357, email [email protected]">[email protected] or contact Jane Anning on 07595 271976.