A CHARITY has encouraged people to sign up as volunteers and make a differences to peoples' lives.

Worcester-based Onside Advocacy offers support to "disadvantaged people" to ensure they are treated fairly.

Volunteers will be a sounding board to the charity's service users, offering advice and help when needed.

Service users can have disabilities or mental health problems and need guidance.

Onside, which works across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, is looking for people to take on roles as a mentor or an advocate, or helping with fundraising and general administration.

Volunteer manager Claire Watkins said: "There's a benefit to the people that join up as they will get a lot back for themselves.

"A lot of the people that come to us might be retired and want to put something back and it can give a purpose to what their life's about.

"They are supporting a vulnerable adult who needs help with some things.

"Our volunteers thrive on that, they like being by someone's side and are normally are good listeners.

"People can have so many professionals in their lives but nobody who can actually speak up on their behalf - that's what our volunteers are for.

"They help make informed choices and decisions."

Anyone hoping to sign up as a volunteer should call Claire Watkins at Onside on 01905 27525 or visit onside-advocacy.org.uk.