RYEDALE is a friendly place in which to live and work. In such an environment, it is easy to forget that there are lonely people in our towns and villages.

Ryedale Voluntary Action often hears about people in our community who feel friendless. They can be isolated by a disability, age or family circumstances. All they need to make life happier is regular contact with a friendly face. A smile and a hello really can make a huge difference.

Befriending is an easy way to help just one person for an hour or so every couple of weeks to feel that bit better about themselves in general. You can choose to work with school pupils, young people, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues or the elderly. By helping another person, you will probably end up feeling better yourself too.

To find out more, contact me at Ryedale Voluntary Action on (01653) 600120.

Kate Holmes - Development Worker, Ryedale Voluntary Action,

Wentworth Street, Malton.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, August 28, 2001