CHARITY TLC Hospice Services at Home is running a recruitment drive to attract more volunteers within a 15-mile radius of its headquarters in Bordon.

Volunteers are always required as the waiting lists for TLC’s help are expanding and spreading throughout Hampshire and its border with Surrey - an area that extends, in the north, from Aldershot, Farnham and Alton, through Bordon, Headley, Hindhead, Haslemere, Liphook, Liss and Petersfield, to Cowplain, Rowlands Castle and Havant in the south.

People in those communities living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the after effects of a stroke and life-limiting conditions, benefit from TLC volunteers sacrificing up to three hours a week of their time to support and befriend them.

The volunteers are from their own community or an easy driving-distance away.

Those whom they befriend are either isolated with a paid carer - who can only give them around 15 minutes’ help twice a day for personal care - or are being cared for by a family member who has no time to themselves and may be in desperate need of some breathing space.

A visit from one of TLC’s volunteers can make a huge difference, not only to those in need but their family who may well look forward to a friendly face and someone to listen and help. According to Age UK, about five million older people consider television to be their main form of companionship, and one million have not spoken to anyone for a month.

• All volunteers are supported along the way by the TLC team. Contact the TLC team on 01420 477231 or email [email protected].