One of the Volunteers from the Friends of Old Mills was asked why she had joined the group and this is her reply:

 

What being a Friend of Old Mill means to me:...in the words of an old Spiritual...

 

   "If I can help somebody along the way,

    If I can cheer somebody with a word or song

    If I can show somebody he is travelling wrong

    Then my living shall not be in vain".

FRIENDLY VISITS
Friends of Old Mill Volunteers will make regular visits to the elderly, lonely or housebound to chat, make cups of tea - or just listen.

Our volunteers will also walk friendly dogs, take clients for wheelchair walks, keep an eye on elderly people if their family are on holiday or sit with people to allow their carers to have a break. We will also assist with children, we do not however offer baby-sitting. A volunteer can look after children to give the mother a rest while she stays in the house.

TRANSPORT
We may be able to provide transport for the infirm for the surgery/hospital visits or to visit relatives who are sick in hospital or nursing homes.
Friends of Old Mill charge transport costs at £3 per journey (£6 for a return journey) to the surgery. Longer journeys (e.g. Newton Abbot) cost more depending upon the distance.

DAY TRIPS
We try to offer at least two trips a year and these are lovely social events. These are non-profit making days and costs are kept to a minimum.

COFFEE MORNINGS
Coffee mornings are held in the homes of the volunteers and some patients. These cost £3 for the morning - which includes transport, refreshments, raffle & bingo. We do, on occasion, have guest speakers at these events.

FUND RAISING
Apart from some office costs, we are totally self-funding and therefore hold some fund raising activities. We do run a lucky numbers club as part of our fund raising - for £1 a month you can have the opportunity of winning £5 per month, £20 every 6 months, and £50 at Christmas. Payment may be made in cash through reception or by standing order.

PARTIES
We hold an annual Christmas party for all the under 5's of the practice. This is free of charge and includes a visit from Santa. Donations would be appreciated - monetary or food. We also have a Christmas Lunch for our regular coffee mornings clients.

NEWSLETTER
For details of all events and coffee mornings we have a regular newsletter. Please ask at reception if none are visible in the waiting area.

Friends of Old Mill provide a friendly, much needed service, however always need extra help. If you feel you can help in any way please contact the Carers Support Worker.

Mrs Sally Corbishley
Torquay 605939

We do not necessarily ask for any long term commitment - it may be only half an hour a week or for the odd fund raising activity.

We are always needing more volunteers and drivers are particularly welcome.

We will reimburse petrol expenses and any other small out of pocket expenses, from our funds.

We have full insurance for all our volunteers.

Carers Support Worker
Mrs Sally Corbishley

Or Treasurer Miss Cilla Lea can be contacted on Torquay 605939

Old Mill Surgery

Chelston Hall
Old Mill Road
Chelston
TORQUAY
TQ2 6HW

If you would like help PLEASE RING.