Green-fingered volunteers are being encouraged to step forward and help families caring for children with life-threatening conditions. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) runs a successful Help at Home service and is on the lookout for extra support in the Diss area. The service provides vital assistance with jobs like cooking, cleaning, shopping, sibling support, decorating and DIY. Any extra help is appreciated but the charity is especially keen to hear from anyone interested in gardening. EACH volunteer co-ordinator Anne Rayner said: “We know that some of our families struggle to keep on top of everything. “They have enough on their plates caring for their child or children, dealing with complex medications and feed times. “That’s not to mention cooking, cleaning and maintaining things indoors. “With the best will in the world, the garden isn’t high on their list of priorities and that’s why we’re keen to hear from anyone able to help. “You don’t have to be knowledgeable or a gardening expert. Just being on hand to cut the grass or do a bit of weeding will make a huge difference.” Volunteers do not need to commit to a regular time slot and training and support is providing. “All you need to give up is your time, either to help regularly or as a one-off project,” added Anne. “Whether you can spare two hours a week or two a month, it’ll have a real impact on the families we support. “Sometimes they feel isolated and it can be hard looking out of the window at an unkempt garden.” For more information about EACH’s Help at Home service, head to each.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering, email [email protected] or call 01223 800800 (select option four). The charity is also keen to find more Help at Home volunteers in the Norwich and Great Yarmouth areas. Image credits EACH
