A CHARITY is appealing for people in Clydebank to consider joining their team of volunteers.

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland says it doesn't have enough volunteers to support everyone in the country who needs its help.

New statistics show its team of 1,700 volunteers currently provide an economic benefit of £1.8 million.

More importantly, they give an incredible 180,000 hours of their time to help change people’s lives for the better.

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However, with one in five people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions in Scotland, the charity’s Scotland-wide appeal aims to grow its volunteer numbers and reach more people.

Brian Ledingham had a stroke in 2017 and was badly damaged down one side which meant his mobility was hugely affected. Brian went from being extremely active to being unsure if he would be able to look after himself.

He said: “My life was a bit more varied than it is now. I did rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain biking, hill walking and skiing. All activity sports. But it sort of came to a halt all of a sudden."

Brian met Douglas, who volunteers with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s Rehabilitation Support Service and together they got Brian back on his feet, active and doing what he loves.

Brian added: “Douglas has helped my life change because I’d be sat at home festering for the rest of my life without him. Douglas came on the scene, he helped me get out and change. He just opened up a whole new world to me."

Jane-Claire Judson, the charity's chief executive, said: “Our volunteers are absolutely vital to the work that we do. They help to deliver our services, run our shops and fundraising events and support us in the office. Without our volunteers, we simply could not help as many people as we do.

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“But we want to reach more of the 1 in 5 people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions. We want to help more people like Brian get back to doing the things they love. It’s about more than surviving – and that’s what our volunteers help people to achieve.

“There aren’t enough volunteers to support everyone in Scotland who needs our help. You can change this.

“By turning your spare time into volunteering, you can make your time matter and whatever role you choose you can play a vital part in making sure there is no life half lived in Scotland.”

For more information on volunteering with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the roles they have available visit www.chss.org.uk/volunteering or call 0800 169 5139.