CARE in Mann has issued an urgent appeal for more volunteers to help maintain its services.
The charity provides all-island support for the sick, handicapped or those going through stressful situations.
It currently has about 60 volunteers who between them man a 24-hour telephone service and provide practical help, with transport to and from hospital appointments being the most frequent request.
But despite the support, it is not enough to sustain the charity’s services in the long-term.
The charity’s secretary, Pam Bennett, who has been a volunteer for 14 years, said: ‘Services are not at risk – but some of us are being flogged to death.’
Care in Mann chairman Michael Lewin explained: ‘We are in particular need of volunteers to answer the telephone and allocate work to the other various volunteers where there is a need.’
People in need of the charity’s support request it by calling the telephone number which is diverted on a rota to volunteers’ phones.
The charity is also looking for more volunteer drivers, particularly those based in the west and north of the island.
Care in Mann was established in 1988.
It currently provides support, for about 250 people.
The charity supports existing statutory welfare services, providing practical help such as for those needing short term help.
Help can be given for shopping, collecting prescriptions, visiting sick relatives, transportation to doctors, dentist and hospital appointments.
At appointments, the volunteer will, if requested and appropriate, stay with the patient during their consultation.
Care in Mann undertakes more than 1,000 tasks each year and has found the workload is constantly increasing.
Mr Lewin said: ‘We want to stress that the work is not onerous and anyone who can spare even just one day a month will help alleviate the situation.’
The charity relies on donations – it does not charge clients for its support.
It also raises money through charity boxes and receives bequests.
And it receives financial support through Peel Charity Shop.
Anyone who feels they might be able to spare even just a small amount of their time is asked to contact Care in Mann’s number – 628500 – for an informal, brief chat.