VOLUNTEERS are needed to give talks to community groups about the work of Oxford’s Helen and Douglas House hospice.

The charity has a network of speakers who give short talks to community groups such as schools, Rotary clubs and youth groups which might be interested in supporting the hospice in Magdalen Road.

Community fundraiser Mary Boullin said that last year talks given to community groups helped raise nearly £50,000.

She said: “The network plays a massive role in raising both awareness and vital funds for Helen and Douglas House.”

Retired schoolteacher Louise Thomas, from Abingdon, has been giving talks to secondary school pupils or older people’s groups every two to three months for the past four years.

She said: “What I enjoy most about being a speaker for Helen and Douglas House is meeting lots of interesting new people and the feeling that I’m doing something really worthwhile.

“After one talk, a man came up to me and jokingly grumbled that I had convinced him to give three times as much as normal to a charity.”

New speakers receive full training and support. For more details, call Mary Boullin on 01865 799162 or email mboullin@helenanddouglas.org.uk