A Maldon charity that helps provide activities and prevent loneliness for local adults with learning difficulties is appealing for help to find a new chair of trustees and secretary.

The Maldon Pioneers Association was set up as an unincorporated charity in 1982 to provide activities for local adults with mild to moderate learning difficulties whose needs were not severe enough to be eligible for local authority resources.

They continue to be a vibrant and committed organisation, providing social activities and friendship opportunities for their members, their 'Pioneers', who are at risk of becoming isolated, lonely and disengaged from the local community.

The charity's current chairman, David Williams, is set to retire and secretary Wendy Grieve is stepping down from the role in order to commit more time to being a volunteer helper for the organisation.

Treasurer John Stealey explained: ''We have one part-time member of staff, the activities organiser, who develops the activities programme. However, at the heart of providing that programme is our team of volunteers, without whom the organisation could not function.

"They accompany the Pioneers on outings and events, provide social support, encouragement and identify opportunities to help Pioneers interact with the community, make their own decisions and live more independent lives.

"However, the charity is not a registered care or support provider and governance is provided through a small management committee of trustees.

"We wish to appoint a new chair to lead the management committee and take forward the aims of the charity. This is a voluntary role. Whilst previous trustee experience is not essential, we are looking for someone who will provide strategic leadership and ensure good governance.

"Most importantly, the Chair will engage with the commitment given by our volunteers and Pioneers to nurture and expand our core aims. You will be rewarded by knowing that you have made a big difference to the lives of people who, without the Maldon Pioneers Association, would become ever more marginalised in the community and society."

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Both roles would mostly involve working from home with an approximate time commitment of around two days per month on a flexible basis.

If you would like to know more about the above roles, email John Stealey here. or visit the Maldon Pioneers website.