With more demand than ever for its service, Southern Befrienders is looking for more befrienders.

The scheme needs assistance with all aspects, from raising funds to visiting isolated and usually elderly members of the south community.

Jo Marks has been a befriender for three years and visits Ted Quillin twice a week.

She also sits with a woman once a week giving her husband a badly needed hour off.

Jo had benefited from the scheme when caring for her husband Fabian.

’I was a carer and floundering a bit,’ she said.

’Southern Befrienders came for half a day. Being a carer is very hard work. SB is a lifeline to people. And Fabian loved it, he was very sociable.

’When I retired I decided I would give back. I know Ted very well, I tell him what’s going on in my life, I listen to the old tales.’

She derives a lot of satisfaction from being involved. ’It’s a real interest for me and something valuable.’

Contact 833025, [email protected] or see them at the volunteers event at the Sefton Hotel on Saturday (March 4).