SINCE its inception more than 20 years ago it has become a lifeline.

But the stark reality is that lifeline could soon be lost if more volunteers don't come forward to provide a listening ear to those who are dealing with the devastation of losing a loved one in a road accident.

For Carole Whittingham MBE, founder of the Brighouse-based road safety charity SCARD (Support & Care After Road Death and Injury) the prospect of having to close the helpline which has helped thousands of people over the years is unbearable.

It was through her own experience of losing her beloved son, Steven, in a road accident in 1992 which prompted the idea to set up SCARD.

Steven was only 27 when his car was struck by the driver of a stolen car and it is in his memory that the charity's vital work continues to support other families affected by road death and injury.

Initially when the helpline was launched there were 10 volunteers - since then it has dwindled to three.

"I suppose it is because people don't have much spare time these days," explains Carole.

But she says the advantage of manning the helpline is they can actually do it from the comfort of their own home and at no cost to them. The charity simply diverts the calls to volunteers who are on duty.

"It can be done in their own home. All we do is divert our helpline to them at no cost at all to them," explains Carole.

She says while people may think they are too busy to volunteer, she also believes many don't realise they can volunteer from home.

But without volunteers to help, Carole says she can foresee the helpline closing and that is something she cannot bear.

"When we think of the thousands of people we have helped over those years it gives us encouragement that we have actually managed to help people through that trauma.

Carole says the helpline is a vital link for the bereaved and injured. "We get calls everyday and we will feel we are letting people down if we have to close it down or shorten the hours."

The helpline operates from 9am until 9pm seven days a week and 365 days of the year so volunteers can do specific shifts if they wish or help out on a more casual basis.

Carole says their helpline is unique as it is available out of working hours. "It is a helpline where people can speak to a real person rather than leaving a message on an answerphone."

As well as being a helpline, the charity also provides a support system and will stay in touch with people if they want them to or provide them with useful information they may need.

They can also signpost them on to other experts who can provide specific support such as solicitors and counsellors who offer their services free to the charity.

"You never get over something like a road death because it is sudden, it is unexpected and it is often violent but you can learn to live with what has happened and you can put the meaning of life back together."

The charity supports people emotionally and psychologically. "We can send out information, we have leaflets, everything people will need from a professional point of view, but it is also the emotional side of things and mental wellbeing that is important as well. People are scarred for life but we can help them move on," explains Carole.

She hopes to appeal to people who may be sat at home pondering what to do to do something meaningful which can make a positive difference to people's lives and consider becoming a volunteer for SCARD.

"I cannot imagine not having the helpline. I would feel I would be letting my son down because it was set up in his name," says Carole.

She says although there aren't as many road deaths they are still occurring and they need to keep the helpline open for those who need the support.

"In a perfect world there will be no road deaths, but sometimes people make bad decisions and we have to pick up the pieces and try and help them put their lives back together," says Carole.

"We don't have a magic wand, and we can't make everything go away, but we can make the journey easier for them to negotiate."

Training will be provided for volunteers who need to be trustworthy; caring and reliable and have an empathy with callers.

For more information call 01484 723649; email info@scard.org.uk, visit scard.org.uk or check out SCARD HQ on Facebook. To contact the helpline call 0845 1235542.