Extra lines for hard-working charity staff

1:20am Thursday 16th October 2008

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A MALVERN-based charity has been forced to install a new telephone system due to the growing demand for its services.

Community Action Malvern, in Belle Vue Terrace, provides community transport for older and disabled people in the Malvern area and provides help and advice for other local charities.

The charity, which relies mainly on volunteers, has already extended its opening hours to help cope with demand and will have a new phone number from yesterday.

Manager Jacci Phillips said: “I realised the need for longer hours as soon as I came on board in June. The girls in the office were constantly chasing their tails to fulfil all the requests for transport.

“With the extended opening hours came a new surge in calls and it was soon aparent that our outdated phones couldn’t cope. Thanks to a donation from Friends of Community Action we have been able to update our phone system and we are all raring to go.”

She added that, due to the increased demand for community transport, the charity is also looking for more volunteer car drivers.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to get out and meet new people and stay happy and healthy yourself. I would recommend it to anyone with a few hours to spare each week.”

As of yesterday the Community Action phone number is 01684 892381. The offices are now open from 9am to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday and from 9am to 12.30pm on Fridays.