Volunteers needed to help older people go green

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help older people in Carmarthenshire go green.

 

Carmarthenshire County Council has teamed up with Age Concern Sir Gâr and Menter Cwm Gwendraeth to assist older people with recycling.

 

The aim is to support and encourage older people to separate their waste, educate them on what can and can’t go in the blue bag, and help them to recycle their glass.

Age Concern Sir Gâr chief officer Ann Dymock said: “Those of us with transport or living near a bottle bank can find it easy to pop over and dispose of the odd bottle or jam jar, but for some people it can be more difficult, particularly for older people, and that can be very distressing when they want to recycle but are struggling to do so. We are hoping that people will come forward and recycle glass for others at the same time as their own, and also make a new friend at the same time.”

Volunteers will be given full training and support and the council’s Street Scene division will also provide protective clothing (aprons and gloves) and containers for carrying glass. Volunteers must have their own transport; however, mileage expenses will be paid.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “As well as being a friendly face, these volunteers will provide a valuable service to our older residents. We are appealing for people who can spare just a few hours a week to please get in touch.”

Last year Carmarthenshire recycled/composted 43% of its waste but must reach a figure of 52% by 2012/13 and 70% by 2025. The council must also reduce the amount of waste going to landfill or it could face hefty fines.

Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Age Concern Sir Gâr and Menter Cwm Gwendraeth to deliver this scheme for older people in the county. It will make a big difference to people and at the same time help us to increase our recycling rate and reduce our landfill.”

The council wants to make it easy as possible for residents to recycle their waste and this is just one of a number of schemes underway in the county.

Older People’s Champion Cllr Kevin Madge said: “It is important that we all recycle as much of our waste as possible. This is an excellent initiative which will provide much needed assistance to older people who need support.”

Linda Rees, aged 58, from Gorslas, runs the Gwendraeth Amman Blind Social Club and thinks the project would be beneficial to a number of people.

She said: “I think this a very good idea, there is not enough help and support out there especially for the visually impaired. It is very difficult for us to recycle, having lost our sight, but we are willing and want to learn, we just need the help.”

Paul Thomas from Menter Cwm Gwndreath added: “We are pleased to be involved in this project and want to hear from anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.”

For further information or a volunteer application pack please contact Ann Dymock at Age Concern Sir Gâr on 01554 784080 or Paul Thomas at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth on 01554 755994.

CAPTION: Pictured are Cllr Kevin Madge, council sustainability officer Tina Brice, Age Concern Sir Gâr chief officer Ann Dymock, Cllr Philip Hughes, resident Linda Rees, Director of Technical Services Richard Workman and David Saywell from Menter Cwm Gwendreath.

Picture: Jeff Connell.