I HAVE recently started working for AgeUK as a volunteer befriender for the Forget-Me-Not Scheme in Malvern.

Befriending involves visiting elderly people in their homes and building up a friendship over time with regular visits and chats.

Even just an hour a week can make a difference to people who may be housebound, isolated or lonely and missing contact with the outside world.

Befrienders call round and provide some company.

I have been visiting a delightful 89-year-old lady for about two months now, and it has been an absolute pleasure to get to know her.

I look forward to seeing her each week and hearing stories of her life both past and present.

We chat about anything and everything. I don't regard it as work; it is a hugely rewarding and enriching experience.

At present, there is a shortage of volunteers for the befriending scheme and if anyone reading this has perhaps contemplated getting involved, I can thoroughly recommend it.

Pop into the local AgeUK office on the platform at Malvern station to find out more or telephone 01684 560666.

Kim Alston

Malvern