THERE is good news for the elderly community in Crediton and district.

Age Concern Home Support Team is now able to offer ever-increasing services from The Lady Mills Centre in Deep Lane, Crediton.

Tracey Bragg, the Home Support Co-ordinator, is expanding the services within Home Support to Domestic Home Cleaning Services and is looking into being able to offer Gardening Services in the near future, too.

Tracey explained: "After increasing demand we are now able to provide quality Domestic Home Services Staff to help you continue to live independent lives, within your own homes with a little extra help.

"Our Domestic Staff have had all the vigorous checks required to ensure you receive a quality, reliable and safe service.

"They all provide written references which are duly checked, they have to complete DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) police checks and complete an induction of high standards."

Tracey added: "The service started only two months ago and is proving very successful.

"It's part of a complete service that we offer. Firstly Home Support and Day Centre, but with our new Domestic Service we provide a little extra help with house cleaning, ironing, shopping or being taken shopping, the types of domestic help to maintain independence and the standard of living that our clients are happy with.

"It's all about safely remaining in your own home, whilst being able to maintain good standards that we all like to live.

"Also it gives people more chance of being independent without being reliant on extended family to do the chores that maybe now, they are unable to do."

She explained that the feedback from those individuals using the new service had been very positive and said it was proving extremely popular with families that are short of time due to work commitments and are relieved that Age Concern Crediton and District can take that responsibility from them.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

As the service expands, Tracey said she hoped more local people could be employed to fill the roles as domestic staff.

In addition, volunteers who would be able to visit Age Concern Crediton's elderly clients in their own homes are also required.

Tracey said the volunteers help to reduce isolation, especially at this time of year, adding that the need is constantly increasing.

Volunteers are sought in Newton St Cyres, Copplestone, Bow, Cheriton Bishop and Pathfinder Village as well as Crediton.

If you can offer two hours a week or would like further details about the services offered, please contact Tracey in the centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays on 01363 777241 or at any other time leave a message and she will return your call.