Bromley older people's charity CarePlus celebrated the work of its volunteers at a special thank you party.

The event, organised by the charity's volunteer co-ordinator Jayne Gorey, took place in the hall at Trinity Bromley URC. Dozens of CarePlus volunteers, supporters, trustees and dignitaries including Bob Neill MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, Cllr Michael Turner and the Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Douglas Auld attended the event on the afternoon of Saturday 16 January. The event got underway when CarePlus Trustee Rev Elizabeth Davis thanked the volunteers for their hard work and introduced the Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Douglas Auld who spoke about the good work of the charity. CarePlus trustees provided tea and homemade cake while the volunteers enjoyed some informal mingling.

Jayne Gorey said: "We are indebted to the work of our volunteers. We wanted
to show our appreciation of the work they do so we held the party as our way
of saying thank you."

Jayne hopes to organise a similar event next year.

"Volunteering is a great way to help others," says Jayne. "Our volunteers help with everyday tasks like shopping, gardening, transport and personal
administration for older people who are finding it difficult to get out of the house or are feeling lonely."

One volunteer, Elizabeth Meynell from Bromley, said she has made some good
friends since joining at the charity's start in 1987: "I help transport people, usually to hospital appointments, and with day-to-day tasks like shopping. I find the work rewarding and enjoyable as I get to meet a variety of people who are no longer able to do some of the things that used to come easily," she said.

Jane Farrer has been with CarePlus for almost 20 years, and finds huge satisfaction in being able to assist older people in the London Borough of Bromley, whether it is by undertaking regular shopping trips or driving or
accompanying older people to hospital appointments.

She says: "So many elderly people find themselves having to deal with financial and physical difficulties.  I see the 'plus' of CarePlus as commonsense and compassion. I cannot change the world but I can help some of the people in it.  Saying 'yes' to someone's request for help gives my life worthwhile meaning and the reward of a relieved 'thank you so much' far outweighs the time spent."

CarePlus provide a local volunteer service for older people (65+) in the London Borough of Bromley.

If you can spare an hour a fortnight to visit, drive, garden or shop for someone please call 020 8290 4992 or email volunteer@careplusbromley.org.uk