MPs support ‘Square Meal’ call
Cornwall’s five Liberal Democrat MPs have backed calls from WRVS, a charity which offers practical support to older people, for more volunteers to come forward to assist with delivering meals to those in need in Cornwall.
The charity delivers some 36,000 meals a year to about 175 people across Cornwall in Launceston, Redruth, Falmouth, Penryn and their surrounding areas. WRVS needs more volunteers in the run up to Christmas as the demand for meals increases.
Falmouth and Camborne MP, Julia Goldsworthy surprised recipients in Redruth recently when she joined the usual volunteers to provide them with their daily lunch.
The regular contact volunteers provide for older people, who can't get around as they used to be able to and often don't have family and friends nearby, is just as important as the meals themselves.
Commenting, North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson said:
“WRVS volunteers do vital work in helping make sure that older people get a square meal while living independently in their own homes.
“As Christmas approaches the need is even greater, so I’d urge residents to think about whether they can give even a small amount of time on a regular basis over the coming weeks.
“I plan to pay a visit to the existing volunteers myself to thank them for the work that they do.”
Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne added:
“This service is not only about ensuring people get at least one nutritionally balanced meal per day, but is also key in providing social contact for many isolated and vulnerable people.
“When I spent the day as a WRVS delivery driver recently, I saw first-hand what an important role the volunteers play in the local community.
“Their work cannot be praised highly enough”.
Notes to Editors:
WRVS delivers in Launceston, Redruth, Falmouth, Penryn, Pelynt, Camborne, St Austell, Mullion, Marazion, Hayle and Penzance
WRVS has been helping people in Britain for nearly 70 years. Originally set up as the Women’s Voluntary Service in 1938, the charity played a crucial role during the Second World War. Whilst keeping the same values of community service, WRVS now focuses on helping older and vulnerable people to stay independent and get more out of life. WRVS is one of the largest voluntary organisations in Britain with around 56,000 women and men helping people in their homes, the community, hospitals and in emergencies.
Potential volunteers can contact WRVS on 01209 218179
