For a number of years I have been amazed at the impact, on local peoples lives, that CLASP has had. It is a registered charity that seeks to help the elderly, lonely and those that need a bit of a hand. It has a minibus for shopping trips and to provide transport to and from its Wednesday lunch club. It also has Car Aid which provides free lifts to medical appointments for those who are struggling.

Clare Liaison and Support Project, (CLASP) is a Registered Charity, established in 1985 and based in Clare, Suffolk.

CLASP has been led fantastically, for a number of years, by Mike Arnold and his soon to be wife Sue Packer. Mike was Chairman and Sue the senior centre manager. Both worked tirelessly for everyone who used CLASP. But nothing lasts forever and they have both stepped down from the managerial positions they held and are both looking forward to the married bliss ahead. I understand they will still be available should we need them.

At the CLASP AGM last thursday I took on the responsibility of Chairman of CLASP. It is a two year post and one that I am very excited about. I promise to treat this tremendous charity with the care and attention it deserves.

It is brilliant that the current management team have all agreed to stay on although we will be looking for a replacement Car Aid organiser as John Webb has signalled his intention to.retire as soon as we can find a replacement. John was recently married to another helper at CLASP. John has been brilliant at managing the ever increasing demands on Car Aid. His single biggest issue is making sure we have enough volunteer drivers available to meet the need. If you can offer up a little time for this worthwhile cause we would all be grateful. Please contact me if you can help either by becoming a Car Aid driver or if you know someone who would enjoy being the Car Aid Organiser.

As we can see CLASP not only provided a great service for its users but it provides a fulfilling social environment for its volunteers. If you would like to get involved please let me know. There are lots of opportunities from washing up, preparing meals, front of house at the lunch club, minibus driving, shopping trip helpers and being a volunteer driver.