NARBERTH Ladies Probus Club was delighted to welcome Eleanor Parker, RVS Coordinator, as guest speak at the September meeting.

Eleanor outlined the origins of this renowned voluntary organisation: On June 18, 1938, the Women’s Voluntary Services came into being, largely through the efforts of Lady Reading and Mary Smieton, creating an organisation that aimed to recruit one million women to help in case of war.

Nowadays, the organisation offers support in a wide variety of ways through its large team of volunteers. In 2013, it changed its name to Royal Voluntary Service, to dispel the myth that it is an organisation for women only; currently about 5 per cent of its volunteers are men.

The RVS offers practical help to people at home, in hospital, and beyond. The service also supports NHS teams so they can focus on patient care. Perhaps, most importantly, it works to bring people together through social activities and groups and help individuals feel stronger, more independent, and more connected.

Eleanor described how the RVS Community Transport service helps people that are unable to drive or use public transport, to get out and about. Volunteers, using their own or specially-adapted vehicles, take clients to and from social visits, shopping trips, activities and appointments.

In addition, Eleanor explained how valuable the befriending scheme had proved to be, just by being there in person, or on the ’phone once or twice a week. In her role as coordinator, it was also important to match the right volunteer to the client and their interests. She concluded by noting that new volunteers were always needed – visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk for more information.

Club member Mary Fleming thanked Eleanor for her informative and insightful talk. The next meeting is on November 7 at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, and new members are always welcome.