A charity is urging people to volunteer and apply for jobs in a new recruitment drive.

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove has launched an appeal for more employees and volunteers to meet higher demand due to the cost of living crisis.

 “We know this is going to be an incredibly tough winter for many older people, so we’re recruiting over the coming months to try and ensure that when the coldest weather strikes, we’re ready to respond,” said Parul Chatterjee, Director of People at Age UK WSBH.

The charity is looking for people to work on the frontline in a range of roles to support people over what it expects will be “a very difficult winter.”

There are a wide range of vacancies available for new employees, from dementia support, to caring for those in crisis, to helping at home.

The charity seeks volunteers for roles in reception, IT support and help in their kitchen and café.

Volunteers are also needed to be there for people after a hospital stay and on phone lines to answer calls from the public.

Mr Chatterjee said: “We want to add to our team of amazing and dedicated employees and volunteers who can work face to face with older people, supporting them when they need us the most.”

Those interested in volunteering can offer as little as a couple of hours a week and are matched to roles based on interests, skills and experience.

The charity said that joining their staff team is “fulfilling”, adding: “Our roles have great benefits. We offer flexible and hybrid working, ongoing professional training and development and salaries which provide a real living wage in line with the Living Wage Foundation.  

“Our charity makes an incredible difference in our community every single day, so please check out our website if you’d like to be part of that - we’d love to hear from you,” said Mr Chatterjee.