A HOSPICE charity is looking for volunteers to help with its social group meet-ups.

The J’s Hospice, which is based in Witham, is appealing for volunteers to help at its popular ‘Inspire!’ social group which meets in Danbury.

The Inspire! group gives young adults from across Essex with complex or incurable conditions the chance to get together, socialise and experience new activities while their families have some free time, knowing that their loved ones are safe and being well cared for.

It is run by staff from the J’s care and well-being teams alongside a group of volunteers and takes place on Saturday afternoons seven times a year at Danbury Mission.

Team leader Amanda Pelham said: “We couldn’t run Inspire! without the support of our fantastic volunteers who make such a huge difference to the young adults that we care for.

“They play a vital role in bringing smiles to their faces by encouraging and helping them to take part in our activities so they can really enjoy the group.

“You don’t need any medical skills as our care team are always there to provide support, but it’s a great opportunity to get some valuable experience if you are training for a job in the care sector such as a nurse, carer or youth worker.”

Volunteer Judith Way, 59, of Great Baddow, said: “Usually I am paired up with a patient with whom I do lots of different activities including crafts, nail painting, hand or foot massage, music, sampling delicious cakes and fruit, and meeting farm animals or exotic animals.

“Often there are Pets as Therapy dogs there too which are adorable and bring a smile to my patient’s face.”

To find out more, visit havenshospices.org.uk or call 01702 426237.