A CHARITY dedicated to helping people bereaved or suffering after road crashes has appealed for volunteers.

People are needed to staff the helpline or give talks to schools and other organisations for Brighouse-based Support And Care After Road Death And Injury - Scard for short.

Founder Carole Whittingham said the role could be ideal for people who were disabled or housebound, as the helpline could be diverted to their homes when they are on duty.

Carole's 27-year-old son, Steven, was killed in 1992 when a car thief drove at high speed on the wrong side of the road and hit his car.

She said: "We can be very flexible to fit in with volunteers.

" Their role can be very rewarding.

"We also need people prepared to give talks to schools and other groups about the effects that road death and injury can have on individuals or their families.

"Full training will be given for volunteers in either role.

"It will cost them nothing; only their time, which is so precious.

"We would welcome anything they could do for us."

The talks include a video about Scard, with hard-hitting words from someone who has suffered, along with strong anti-drink drive and drive messages.

Talks are also given to groups ranging from the Army to young offenders.

Most of the talks are in West Yorkshire, but they have also been given in schools on Jersey. Also, one will be at an Army camp in Wiltshire in a couple of weeks.

The helpline is open from 9am to 9pm, 365 days a year.

Volunteers would go on a rota and are normally available for one day each week or fortnight.

The average number of calls to the helpline each day is between two and five.

Carole said: "We move heaven and earth to give the right kind of support to people who contact us.

"That support was not there when we needed it."

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Scard on 0845 1235541 or 0845 1235543.

Calls are charged at a local rate.