Sir, – Not everyone in Northallerton is fortunate enough to be able to get out and about easily. For older and less mobile members of our community, long periods at home without visitors can be very lonely. Shopping for food and preparing meals is also very difficult for those with mobility problems.

This year, Meals on Wheels Week (October 6-12) is adopting the theme of “A Meals on Wheels a day, helps keep the doctor away”. For WRVS, this message is vital, as our volunteers deliver more than just a nutritious meal. Each meal means regular human contact for someone who may otherwise not see anyone else during that day or week. This contact also enables us to carry out a daily “safe and well” check, alerting social services of any concerns we may have for people’s health or well-being.

Organised by the National Association of Care Caterers, Meals on Wheels Week gives us a great opportunity to thank all those local people who give their time to help deliver Meals on Wheels to older and potentially isolated people in Northallerton.

In Northallerton and Brompton, 5,700 meals are delivered to local people each year.

I would like to ask your readers to consider giving a few hours of their time on a regular basis to help make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members.

Anyone interested in volunteering can give me a call on 01609-777169 or call WRVS’ local rate volunteering number on 0845-601-4670, or visit www.wrvs.org.uk.

MRS JANE HIRST District co-ordinator, Meals on Wheels, Hambleton WRVS.