THE ShopAssist scheme, part of local charity Ilkley Good Neighbours, has introduced a newly created recruitment role.

Funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation, the role will see new appointee Jessica Jeffrey focus on finding volunteers to meet the growing demand for ShopAssist services.

With ten years experience of recruitment in the private sector, as well as previously being a volunteer with Ilkley Good Neighbours, Jessica is well placed to help the charity attract new volunteers. Apart from her new job she also organises Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival.

“As someone who has volunteered at Ilkley Good Neighbours in the past, I know at first-hand what a lovely organisation it is to be connected to,” said Jessica. “Their focus is as much on the well-being of the volunteers as the clients, which I think is important. There is training available to volunteers who need or want it to help them feel confident. And of course any expenses incurred during volunteer activity will be reimbursed. Holiday cover is arranged when you can’t make it that week - and they are just a happy and smiley bunch of people to deal with!”

Jessica added: “One of the most special things about being a ShopAssist volunteer is that you are connecting with people right in the heart of your own community. There’s nothing that can quite match that feeling of helping someone in such an immediately rewarding way. It’s more than just a coin in a fundraising tin - it’s seeing first-hand the difference you can make to the quality of someone’s life.”

Jessica will be attending and participating in community events and fairs, running poster campaigns, increasing the ShopAssist social media presence, and seeking out new opportunities to make connections with those interested in volunteering.

Launched in 2008, the ShopAssist scheme has gone from strength to strength and helps a number of men and women in the Ilkley and district areas. Currently there is a waiting list of 24 in need of assistance with their weekly grocery shopping. Volunteers must have a driving licence and access to a car and will usually take their client on a weekly or fortnightly shop to a local supermarket for an hour or so.

If you would like a volunteer application form or an informal chat about what to expect as a ShopAssist volunteer, contact Jessica on volunteer@goodneighboursilkley.org.uk , call 07309 730241 or visit www.goodneighboursilkley.org.uk