Volunteers needed forbrain disease group

Doris Mason, who is aged 72 and from Comber, started volunteering with the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association (PSPA) in Belfast after her husband Brian was diagnosed with the rare and progressive condition where increasing numbers of brain cells become damaged over time. Brian died in 2008.

Since then Doris has taken over the running of the PSPA Belfast support group and has set up groups in Londonderry, Ballymoney and Dungannon. Doris is now urging other volunteers to come forward and help.

“It’s great to see that people now have access to information and support for PSP in Northern Ireland through the groups. A lot of people depend on the support groups to keep going. They offer a place to take yourself away, relax and talk to like-minded people,” said Doris.

“It can be tough to keep up, but I can’t help but get involved as much as possible. If I had extra help with organisation, I’d be able to plan ahead and provide the groups with structure and informative speakers. It would save me a lot of stress in travelling too,” she added.

You don’t need any specific qualifications or to have personal experience of PSP or CBD to become a volunteer.

“Working together, we can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by PSP and CBD. The charity needs good listeners, inspired leaders, exceptional organisers and admin experts to help us develop and extend the services we offer,” said Wendy Crofts, Volunteer Services Manager at PSPA.

Visit www.pspassociation.org.uk or telephone the Volunteering Team on 01327 356 134.