Bathing helpers needed

Monday 31 July 2023

A plea is going out to try and find more helpers to run the Guernsey Voluntary Service's community bathing programme.

The Russel's Day Centre in St Martin's offers the support to people who can't bathe themselves.

There's a walk in shower, with seat and railings, as well as an accessible bath with a seat to lower someone into the water.

Denise Cohu runs the Russel's Social Club and she said the bathing service is "ever increasing" in popularity.

"We operate a bathing service, free of charge, for those in the community who may be struggling with their personal care or that of a family member," she explained.

The  service is also available to those who are "unable to use their home bathing or showering facilities".

Mrs Cohu said they need more volunteers to be able to keep the service going at its current rate.

"This bathing service has been running for approximately six years and requests for the service continue to come in. We are currently bathing up to 18 people a week with a waiting list for four," she said.

Pictured: The bath is in the middle of the room so that a volunteer/family member can help the person having a bath when they need it.

The private bathroom has space for a volunteer to move around all of the bath, with room to use a wheelchair or walking frame to get on to the seat which raises then lowers the bather into the water. The bather must be able to move from their own chair, or walk, to get onto the bath seat themselves as the volunteers are not asked to lift or use hoists. 

There is an alarm cord in case of any emergencies too.

Ms Cohu said a short training session is given to all volunteers - which can be relatives of the person being bathed, or other members of the community who wish to help out. She said it is "a beneficial and enjoyable experience for those who need it most".

"We have seven wonderful volunteers who support this service so well, but we are desperate for more volunteers!" said Mrs Cohu.

"As a consequence of the success and positive outcomes of the service, we are busy every day and really need some extra help.

"So a plea goes out to anyone who may be interested in volunteering ands able to help for a morning or afternoon, once a week or once a fortnight."

Mrs Cohu and her team can be contacted on 238055, Tuesday to Friday each week except for during holidays.