A WEST Devon-based charity has said it is in ‘dire need’ of volunteers to help keep its commitments with the public.

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS), which supports the older population in the town and surrounding areas, has seen a drop in volunteer numbers from 256 to 170 since the end of last year.

And due to this decline, TASS has had to close some classes and groups on several occasions.

Diane Newman, TASS’ manager, said: ‘TASS relies heavily on volunteers to deliver all of its services and our bank of volunteers is depleting given the age group. Some of our volunteers have been with us for over 20 years valiantly turning up and doing a turn.

‘However, time marches on and people are entitled to slow down but we don’t seem to be recruiting at the same pace that we are losing people.’

TASS is an organisation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the older population as well as those living with disabilities to ensure they can remain independent and able to make their own choices on how they live their life.

Last month, however, a TASS group on Barley Market Street was closed on three occasions and Rest A While at the East End Stores of the pannier market has closed on a Saturday afternoon and there is a waiting list for befrienders.

‘We have just recently had to decline some hospital car journeys because we don’t have the volunteer drivers and we are also struggling to meet our trip commitments because of a shortfall of mini bus drivers,’ added Diane.

‘We also need TASS champions and life story recorders — and advocates so that we can keep up with the demand of form filling for benefits and entitlements.’

TASS has planned a recruitment day at Morrisons on Monday, July 2 — the team will be in the car park with one of their mini-buses together with information, leaflets and representatives.

‘Any help that someone could give would be greatly appreciated.

‘TASS would like to say thank you to their current volunteers and twice a year we run a social event for exactly that reason.’