New dementia services in East Kilbride, which include a lunch club, coffee morning and music group all due to start in August, could be delayed because of a lack of volunteers.

The vital services, organised by older people’s charity LEAP, need fully trained and vetted volunteers but the charity is finding them hard to come by in the town.

Helen Jilks, the charity’s dementia services development officer, said: “A vital part of these new services is having volunteers to support people living with dementia while their carers get a wee break from their duties knowing their loved ones are in safe hands.

“This is particularly important for our lunch club where the carers will have time to themselves while their loved ones are taking part in dementia-friendly activities with fully trained support.

“Potential volunteers may be worried about not having the skills to support these people but we will make sure they are fully trained before they join the group so they can provide positive support to everyone taking part.”

Grace Coyle, who volunteers at the charity’s Cambuslang lunch club said: “If anyone would like to support people living with dementia, but is worried about being able to do so, they shouldn’t worry.

“LEAP gave all the training and information I needed before I set foot in the club, and I am supported by members of LEAP’s staff throughout the lunch club.

“Thanks to them I feel I have been able to make a positive difference to these people, even if it is only for an hour or so every other week.

“I would say to anyone interested to contact LEAP – you won’t be disappointed or left to manage anything on your own. It’s a great way to volunteer.”

The lunch club runs twice monthly on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, hopefully starting on 12 September in Strathcona Sheltered Housing in The Murray. Volunteers would be needed from 11.00am to help set up lunch, support people through lunch and the activities and help clear up when the club finishes at 1.30pm.

Helen is also keen to hear from people who could help at their music group and drop-in coffee morning. The music group takes place in Health and Happy’s Hub beside the Odeon Luxe every first and third Friday of the month between 10.30 and 11.30am starting on 16 August, while the coffee morning will be in the Village Centre on the fourth Tuesday of the month between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

To find out more about LEAP’s dementia services and volunteering, call LEAP on 0141 641 5169 and ask to speak to Helen Jilks.