A BOLTON organisation, which has increased its "output" almost tenfold since it began, has celebrated its third birthday. The Halliwell Befriending Service was set up originally with City Challenge cash, to offer friendship to isolated and lonely local people.

But, from seven volunteers visiting seven friends in 1995, the number has gone up to 49 volunteers visiting around 60 friends in 1998.

And their dedication and caring were celebrated at the group's AGM, when several of them received certificates of achievement.

Chair of the management committee, Desmond Porter, congratulated the volunteers and stressed that "there is simply no service without them."

He said that it was a source of great satisfaction, too, that some people who had been visited had themselves become volunteers.

Comments from the volunteers showed the amount that they got back from this work.

Now, the Service is backed by a grant from Bolton Social Services, and has a future secured for at least another two years.

If asked to make their comments, there is absolutely no doubt that the people in Halliwell would say how much they look forward to the visits. And that these are friends indeed.

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