LONELINESS is a terrible thing, especially if you're elderly and possibly without family and friends to visit you.

An excellent service that befriends people in these circumstances itself needs support.

The Halliwell Befriending Service is looking for more volunteers.

This is a "good neighbour" scheme which asks volunteers to make a 12 months' commitment of friendship, visiting housebound local people regularly - even for one hour a week.

Then, the individual involved can look forward to seeing a friendly face, and having a chat.

It's sad to discover that many lonely elderly people not only don't leave their homes for weeks at a time, but go for days without seeing a soul or talking to another human being.

You have to be over 18 and be willing to spare a short time each week.

But frankly, the rewards to yourself are probably greater than the ones you offer.

The Halliwell Befriending Service is also happy to hear from any individuals who would like to be linked with a volunteer.

Or, if you know someone in the Halliwell area who might benefit from the service, contact them on Bolton 840808.

And if you'd like to find out more about the scheme, ring them on the same number or go along to either of their open days at their base at Halliwell Road Free Church on Friday, October 25, or Friday, November 29, from noon to 4pm.

Do give the scheme some thought - a lonely elderly person may just be waiting to see you.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.