A NEW one-to-one buddy scheme partnering up terminally ill people and their loved ones with trained helpers officially starts in Bradford this week.

Marie Curie’s Helper Service has already been tried out in other parts of the country but is new to this district.

On Friday, the new Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, will be at an event to mark its arrival in the area.

The free-of-charge service will provide trained volunteers who are matched with a person living with a terminal illness to give them and their loved ones companionship, emotional support and practical help.

Marie Curie Helper volunteers will give around three hours a week of their time to offer a friendly ear and the opportunity to talk through any worries, said service manager Andrew Oldham.

Volunteers will also help by providing practical support, giving information about local services and making it possible for carers and family members to take a short break.

The start of the new service, which operates across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, coincides with Volunteers’ Week, an annual event celebrating the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK.

Cllr Reid said: “I applaud the Helper volunteers who are setting a great example by making such a valuable contribution to the local community.”

Mr Oldham added: “We’re delighted that the Helper Service is now available to people across the Bradford postcode area.

“It’s a great local service providing vital one-to-one support to people living with a terminal illness and, in many cases, their families or carers too. It’s fantastic to see the benefit for everyone involved and the positive impact it can have on their lives.”

June Scott, who recently became a Marie Curie Helper volunteer, is looking forward to getting involved,.

“As a former carer I know from experience how people facing a difficult time could really benefit from a regular Helper volunteer visit.

“It didn’t exist when I was a carer but I can see how important this new service will be. This is why I have become one of the first Helper volunteers in Bradford,” she said.

More volunteers are still needed to join the service, e-mail WestYorkshireHelper@mariecurie.org.uk, call 0800 304 7411 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/helper.