The support charity, Being There, does what it says on its tin. It's there, providing emotional support, transport to hospital appointments and social activities for people with life limiting illnesses like cancer, strokes and heart disease.
"There is an increasing demand" says Karen Mercer, Communications and Development Manager at Being There "Especially for the hospital transport because, as you can imagine, if you've got to have radiotherapy and have to travel to The Christie you might be going ten or 15 times...try and get from Salford to The Christie on public transport, it's an absolute nightmare or you spend a fortune on taxis.
"Although there is an ambulance service it goes all around the houses to different people and when you've had radiotherapy that's the last thing you want" she adds "Our transport takes the worry out of that, and we also have people who help with shopping and social activities...We're looking for volunteers because we get lots of people approaching us for support but the more volunteers we have the more we can support..."
Ask Karen what kind of volunteers Being There is looking for and she thinks hard, as if choosing a mate...
"People who are flexible and caring, non-gossipy types..." she explains "Caring and reliable are the main things. We find that a lot of the volunteers are older and are more mature in their attitude, and a lot of people have had cancer themselves and are in remission, or have had family members that they've cared for...People who are semi retired, maybe, and want to do something to help their community."
In return, Being There provides training and, maybe, a new lease of life... "Volunteering keeps people healthy and sociable" says Karen "We've even had a couple of marriages."
Being There works all over Greater Manchester but has a base at the Langworthy Cornerstone. It also runs a support group drop-in every two weeks on a Wednesday at the Holy Cross Parish and Community Hall in Eccles. The charity changed its name recently, from CALLplus to Being There. The tin says it all...
For further details on volunteering for Being There – click here or phone 0845 1232329 or email info@beingthere.org.uk
For more details on the work of Being There, including fundraising opportunities and services – click here
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