A charity that supports older people in Ravenshead, Rainworth, Blidworth and Mansfield is thanking the volunteers who help its work.

Ravenshead-based Cornwater Evergreens runs a friendship club and also a memory club. as well as a charity shop on West Gate, Mansfield, which provides valuable income.

Recently Sarah Dyer has become an ambassador for the friendship club, based at Main Road, Ravenshead, and volunteers weekly as a tribute to her mum, Maureen, who used the charity as she fought dementia before she died.

Melissa Blythe, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

“We enjoyed having Sarah and her mum when they came and the members love Sarah, so it was an easy decision to offer her a role as an ambassador.

“She has a positive attitude and is great with the members. They look forward to seeing her and she is a marvellous advocate for Cornwater Evergreens.”

Sarah said the friendship club helped her mum as her health deteriorated, and provided a safe and relaxing place for them to spend time together.

Sarah said: “One evening I was frantically trawling through the internet, trying to find activities for the elderly, for my mum.

Cornwater Evergreens ambassador Sarah Dyer with staff members Alex Sneade and Tonia Stockton.

“She had always been a very social person, but since my dad died she had started slowly withdrawing… and she was finally diagnosed with vascular dementia.

“I saw a name on the internet I was familiar with, Jigsaw, and they gave me Cornwater Evergreen’s number. Mum was a little reluctant to try anything new, but I said I would go with her and we both went along one Friday. It was art day and the change in my mum was almost immediate.

“After an hour she said to the gentleman who was running the session, ‘I can’t tell you how wonderful this place is, so relaxed welcoming and friendly’.

“I found when I went with mum that first time I actually relaxed and it was like a breath of fresh air to see her so engaged. I could finally be her daughter for a few hours instead of her carer.

“Melissa approached me at the end of last year about becoming an Ambassador, which made me feel very proud, and I knew I would be able to give something back

“Cornwater Evergreens is an amazing place and all the staff and volunteers are amazing.

“I feel it was the lifeline my lovely mum so desperately needed and her cheeky character came back. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for having such a wonderful club.”

For more information on Cornwater Evergreens, which is dedicated to helping older people enjoy later life, email [email protected].

Charity shop needs volunteers

Cornwater Evergreens Charity Shop on West Gate, Mansfield, raises income to support the friendship clubs and is looking for volunteers to help.

Sharon Baum, shop manager, said: “Volunteering is great fun, you’ll meet lots of customers, sort stock, learn new skills and become part of a friendly team. Most importantly you will make a difference and help support our local older people.”

If you are able to help, call the shop on 01623 656133 or email [email protected]