When the national news is full of gloom I am thrilled by the exciting changes happening in Caterham, particularly in the provision of services for the elderly.

The Caterham Car Scheme has two new volunteer drivers. The service is available to Tandridge residents who need lifts to and from medical appointments and suchlike, the client paying 50p per mile to the driver at the end of the trip. Clients need to phone and book a car as soon as they receive an appointment, but with additional drivers we will be able to support more local people.

On March 13th the Well Being Centre opened in the Douglas Brunton Centre in Park Road. I am already recruiting more volunteers for the Centre to support projects that are up and running. Shortly they are opening the first Men in Sheds in this area for men who want to do something practical with their 'spare time' and create relationships while working alongside one another. Men in Sheds aims to provide a perfect setting; the shed is up and is rather fabulous.

There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities at the Douglas Brunton Centre and The Caterham Car Scheme still would appreciate more drivers. If you are looking for a less 'active' kind of volunteering I would ask you to consider the Tandridge Befriending Scheme, where we take great care to match our volunteers with the people who so enjoy the hour a week that they spend with their Befriender. Please email me on caterhamvc@ tvsc.org.uk or phone 01883 344444 for more details of these or other volunteering opportunities.