Organisers have appealed to the public to volunteer to do small tasks for people who contact the new helpline for Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and the surrounding district.

Tasks include escorted shopping, local transport, light help, minor household repairs, small gardening jobs, befriending and visiting, and answering the helpline telephone.

The former forces sweetheart cut a cake to celebrate the launch at the Sheldrake Suite at the Martlets Hall in Burgess Hill on Saturday October 25 and then helped dish out portions.

Dame Vera told the meeting: "It is up to members of the community to help those who do not have help at hand, to be a neighbour like it used to be when there was always someone in the street to help. So let's get that old street feeling back again and help your neighbour as much as you possibly can."

Dame Vera, who lives near Ditchling, said many people did not have anyone to help. She told the meeting: "Your mind relaxes if you know there is someone at the end of the phone."

The scheme is based on the busy 24-year-old CARE charity in Haywards Heath, Lindfield, Cuckfield, Scaynes Hill, Ansty and Wivelsfield although both are run by different committees.

The Neighbourly Care Helpline is 07876 066368. Anyone wanting to help can contact Gill McPeake on 01273 844889, email mgreenfield@stargate.co.uk. CARE can be called on 01441 455955.

Read the full story in the Mid Sussex Times

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