VOLUNTEERS are being saluted by a charity.

Carers' Resource is staging tea parties to thank the 150-plus people who give-up their time to support it.

The venture is to mark National Volunteers Week, which starts on Thursday (June 1).

Chris Whiley, Carers' Resource chief executive officer, said: "Volunteers come armed with a wide range of skills and experience and freely offer their time, which is a hugely valuable asset to any organisation.

"Some give support to individuals by visiting them at home and helping them to overcome barriers which would otherwise restrict their access to the outside world or leave them feeling unable to cope.

"They do a great job and their contribution has a big impact on the quality of services we offer to carers, clients and their families, helping to improve their lives in some way.

"The celebratory tea parties are a great way for us to show our appreciation and let the volunteers relax, socialise and be waited on for a change."

Volunteering opportunities with the charity include organising community information stands, taking out looked-after people to give carers a break, fundraising and helping with activities, providing telephone support and writing articles for the charity's magazine.

Oakworth woman Helen Gunton first heard about Carers' Resource when she was looking for a group to attend with her late husband, Nigel, whom she cared for.

"I searched online and found information about the local monthly Carers' Resource group called Time For Me," she said.

"I had no support at all as a full-time carer, was feeling very isolated and needed time for myself and to meet new people away from my caring role.

"As soon as I walked into Time For Me I felt I was with friends and I was made so welcome."

Following her husband's death, Helen continued attending the group and became the main volunteer who helped keep it running.

"When the former group leader had to leave because of work commitments I volunteered to lead it because I couldn't bear the thought that it might have to close," she said.

"Everyone looks forward to it so much."

Helen, who also works part-time as a support worker helping adults with learning disabilities to live independently, added: "My husband passed away in February 2016 and the support from the Time For Me group – and a coffee drop-in in Keighley – has been invaluable."

For details about volunteering opportunities with Carers' Resource, contact volunteer co-ordinator Val Stewart on vstewart@carersresource.org or 01274 449660.