COMMUNITY minded people are being called upon to help set up a volunteer scheme in Menston.

Plans are well under way to launch an umbrella group for older and other vulnerable people in the village to offer a range of services.

Leaflets are about to go out to everyone in the village and in October a public meeting will be held at the Methodist church hall.

Ann Hill, one of those behind Menston Cares, said the idea was to set up a group of volunteers able to tackle many of the small jobs that some older people and others were not able to do.

"Menston is quite a united community already. The churches and the Good Neighbours scheme already run services like this."

Projects tackled would include small decorating jobs, gardening, changing light bulbs and other DIY tasks.

Other services to be offered would include making visits to the housebound, or offering a respite break for carers.

"We're also looking at helping people after they come out of hospital and running a sitting service for carers," she added.

Various groups and the churches in Menston will be involved and all volunteers provided with identification cards.

"Each of the care services has a named contact who will oversee the volunteers for that group and liaise with the committee when necessary.

"We have all worked with ID in the past, but on the advice of police, it is becoming a necessity to present identification when visiting someone's home to provide a service. This will also be backed up with phone calls to arrange the visit."

At the moment, Menston Cares is in its very early stages, but it is hoped it will soon be up and running.

They have been in contact with similar groups in Ilkley and have funding from the Community Chest.

"What we are trying to do is act as a liaison office between all the others. Its all about people looking out for each other," said Mrs Hill.

Mrs Hill said there had already been a good response from many people in the village - both from those who would use the services and from those willing to help out.

The group will include people from the churches, Good Neighbours and Menston Community Association.

It will have a formal constitution and as well as funding from the Community Chest will be seeking grants from other sources.

Anyone willing to help Menston Cares should attend the planned meeting at Menston Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday, October 1. It begins at 7.30pm.