WHEN someone is diagnosed with a life-altering illness, it is not just their life thrown into upheaval.

Family and friends may soon become carers and the day to day stresses soon pale into insignificance when looking at the future ahead.

But help is at hand with the Prospect Family Friend – Prospect Hospice’s new scheme that will see volunteers working in the homes of patients to alleviate the hurdles that come from living with illness.

Ros Elliot, 54, who was diagnosed with osteoarthritis 14 years ago, is the first to sign up for the scheme.

She says her own experience of illness and disability enables her to empathise with those she will be helping.

Ros, from Broad Town, who has been volunteering at Prospect’s Day Hospice for a year, said: “This was too good to pass up.

“Knowing that you will really be helping someone who may otherwise feel isolated or helpless is incredibly rewarding and as I have been in the position myself during my life I feel, although I can’t feel their personal pain, I can understand what they’re going through.”

Ros hopes the scheme will encourage people from all walks of life, with time on their hand to get involved.

“I already volunteer at Prospect’s Day Hospice and while that’s focused on the care of patients, I’ll often meet with their carers when they collect them in the afternoon,” she said.

“Talking to them about this, they’ve been very receptive to the idea of just a little more support when a loved one is in our care. All we need now is enough volunteers to make a big difference.”

Alongside the companionship they will bring, the Prospect Family Friend will provide practical support as well, helping with shopping, simple housework or preparing a light meal.

The Prospect Family Friend will also help transporting patients to hospital visits and appointments.

Prospect nurse Tina Roberts, who is leading the new service, said: “We’ve already recruited a number of volunteers like Ros who are already part of our wider volunteer team, but I think there are many more people out there who would be happy to take on this new role,.

“We greatly value the contribution made by all our volunteers at Prospect, wherever it is that they support our work, and we know that this is a role that won’t be for everyone.

“But for those who join us they’ll receive extensive training, and I’m certain it will be a really rewarding experience.”

If you would like to be part of this new volunteering initiative, call Tina Roberts at Prospect on 01793 813355.