Volunteers desperately needed for bath and shower service

The free service has been offered by the Russels Social Club for about six years.

At one point it was doing 48 baths a month, but now it is providing more than 70 and has a waiting list.

The club is part of the Guernsey Voluntary Service and operates at Le Grand Courtil extra care housing site in St Martin’s.

‘We are currently bathing up to 18 people a week, with a waiting list of four,’ said manager Denise Cohu.

‘We have seven wonderful volunteers who support this service so well, but we are desperate for more volunteers.’

Experience is unnecessary. A short training session is provided.

And Mrs Cohu said volunteers would also have the satisfaction of knowing they were providing a beneficial and enjoyable experience for those who need it most.

Volunteers could help out for a morning or afternoon, once a week or once a fortnight.

Service user Sylvia Guilmoto, 92, said she would be so disappointed if she could not have her weekly bath.

‘I have been using the service only a few months but in ensures that once a week I feel really clean, as I can only have a strip wash at home,’ she said.

‘The volunteers that run the service are all very kind and friendly and always have a lovely smile on their faces, which brightens my day.’

Esther Le Friec also uses the service.

Her daughter said that the service meant a lot to both of them.

‘I can leave mum knowing that she is well looked after and that she can enjoy a bath and hair wash once a week, as she is unable to access the shower at home due to safety reasons,’ she said.

Health & Social Care also bathes clients, either through a community bathing service at the client’s home or at the Willows Day Centre, where there are assisted baths.

The community service provides about 32 baths a week for 23 individuals. The Willows sees about 15 people weekly.

n Anyone interested is asked to call Denise or Julie on 238055, Tuesday to Friday, 8am-3.30pm.