ACTIVITIES, help and advice for the Vale's elderly people and their relatives are on the increase thanks to one of Britain's best known charities.

The Hereford and Worcestershire branch of Age Concern offers a variety of schemes that benefit elderly people. Garden handymen, computer lessons and simple help and advice are just some of the services available.

One of the best known projects in Evesham is the Church Street Centre. Age Concern workers and volunteers staff the social services funded centre. It provides transport, meals and day care for people suffering from dementia. Manager Kym Devine has worked there since it opened in 1999.

Ms Devine said: "It is definitely a much needed service. Some members do not go out of the house on any other days of the week. It also gives carers a break to have their own time too."

Visitors enjoy a range of activities at the centre including bowls, quizzes and crosswords. They are also offered therapeutic activities like hand massages. The centre arranges outings to the town centre and nearby beauty spots. The centre also set up a special group for carers three years ago. The 17 members meet once a month to offer support and advice to others in similar circumstances.

Ms Devine added: "It is a very rewarding job. The staff and volunteers get something out of the day too. We see ourselves as an extended family."

Ron Tyler has been attending the centre on a daily basis. He said: "It is a great crowd of people. I especially like the games we play here."

The centre is always looking for new volunteers. They particularly need help with activities and outings. They would also like to hear from anyone who could drive the centre's minibus that takes the visitors to and from the centre.

Maureen Clarke is one of the centre's volunteers. Her husband suffers from Alzheimer's. She said: "I needed something to occupy my mind and I wanted to help other people." Mrs Clarke works at the centre twice a week. She helps serve meals as well as organising activities for the visitors.

Age Concern also runs computer taster sessions for the over-50s at the Evesham Community Contact Centre. These lessons offer people a basic guide to using a computer, the internet and e-mail. The charity is also planning to offer a similar service at the Age Concern shop in Pershore. Sessions are on a one-to-one basis and by appointment only.

Another popular service available to Evesham's older generation is the handyman scheme. Volunteers carry out minor home and electrical repairs such as changing light bulbs or plugs. People can also ask for help with small gardening jobs.

The elderly are not the only group Age Concern deal with. The charity also runs a sitter service to benefit carers. Volunteers look after elderly relatives or friends for short periods, allowing their dependants some time to themselves.

General help and advice for residents is also available on Wednesdays at the new Age Concern shop in Pershore. Similar services run in Evesham at the Wychavon Shop in the old police station on the first and third Thursdays of each month and every Monday at the Gordon Russell Building, High Street, Broadway.

For more information or to volunteer for any of the services call Lin Hunt on 01905 726652.

People interested in helping out at the Church centre can contact Kym Devine directly on 01386 422350.