THE ESTUARY League of Friends is setting up a snow action plan to cope with any return of bad weather later this winter. The charity runs a number of support services for elderly, disabled or sick residents in Topsham, some of which were cancelled during

THE ESTUARY League of Friends is setting up a snow action plan to cope with any return of bad weather later this winter.

The charity runs a number of support services for elderly, disabled or sick residents in Topsham, some of which were cancelled during the recent cold spell.

Rachel Gilpin, chief executive of the league, said some of the services were cancelled because it was just too dangerous to transport people.

"Instead, our members of staff and volunteers cooked meals in peoples' homes, picked up prescriptions and did food shopping for those who couldn't get out," she explained.

"We helped over 50 clients who didn't have anyone to assist

"We also drove people to doctors' surgeries and hospital appointments which they wouldn't have attended as public transport was badly hit.

"One volunteer spent five days helping others get around to appointments but then slipped down and broke her wrist.

"But in the true spirit of volunteering, two days later she was out again with her husband, helping more residents."

The experience of the last two week will be chronicled in the Snow Action Plan which will help the charity offer even more emergency help if bad weather returns this winter or in the longer term.

The League also wants to set up a register of older residents in Topsham who would welcome a telephone call at least once a week to check on their well-being.

If you would welcome such a call yourself, or know someone who would benefit from this weekly contact, please call the league on 01392 879009 or send an email to rachel.estuary@virgin.net.

Rachel added: "We're also looking for volunteers to help call people. If they have a spare hour they can come to our office and use our telephones.

"It could be a vital lifeline for many older members of the community - please help us put it into action.