A team of volunteers in Redbridge has backed the Recorder’s Good Neighbours appeal and spoken about the work they do to provide care for the elderly.

The Redbridge Voluntary Care Team has been providing care for people for 40 years and has a team of 150 volunteers, including about 30 drivers.

We launched our Christmas appeal last week, encouraging readers to knock on the door of elderly neighbours and make sure they have everything they need as temperatures start to fall.

Pat Borrott, secretary of the care team, describes the numerous ways in which volunteers help.

“We get referrals from social services and the dementia and stroke societies,” she said.

“We had a call the other day from Redbridge Stroke Association, which needed transport for a man who had a call from Whipps Cross Hospital, saying that he must come in the next day at 10.30am.

“We had to find a volunteer to take him, even if they couldn’t, then bring him home.

“Penny, one of our volunteers said: ‘He’s had a stroke, I’m not leaving him’, and stayed with him during his appointment.”

Team members, who work from home, have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for their work, and Pat says they are on the lookout for more volunteers.

She said: “Although we have 150 volunteers, most people work full-time, so they are only available on evenings and weekends. It is the same with the drivers.

“The need for volunteers is great. We keep finding people in a sad state, who don’t get out, and have nobody to organise things for them.

“We are looking for people who have time to spare to volunteer.”

To volunteer with the team, call Pat on 020 8514 0980.