A NEW “buddy scheme” aims to brighten the lives of adults with physical disabilities.

Volunteers are needed to befriend residents of the Beechwood Cheshire Home in Edgerton.

People are wanted to support residents either for trips out, such as shopping or to garden centres, or to help them pursue hobbies and interests.

Posters giving personal profiles of the people wanting “buddies” are being circulated around local community centres, doctors surgeries and other meeting places asking for help.

Volunteer coordinator Ann-Marie Brook said: “Some of our residents see only staff every day and have no families. The buddy scheme aims to help them get out more and lead more independent lives.

“It also aims to help them get more involved in things that interest them, whether a volunteer just has a pint and a game of dominoes with them once a week, or helps them with computer research, artwork or model making.”

Volunteers need to be 18 years and over to escort people outside the home. They can be 16 years and above to spend time with residents in the home.

Full training is provided for “buddies” including pushing wheelchairs correctly and health and hygiene and general safety.

There are 26 full time residents in the Beechwood Cheshire Home, run by the Leonard Cheshire Foundation for people with physical disabilities.

Anyone who can volunteer a couple of hours a week should contact Ann-Marie on 07793803958 or email her at ann-marie.brook@lc-uk.org