A local hospice will be able to offer friendship and a listening ear to Maldon residents next week, as it launches its new befriending service in mid-Essex.

Chelmsford-based Farleigh Hospice will unveil Farleigh Helpers on Monday, 13 September - an online and telephone befriending service run by volunteers.

The service will offer non-medical support to those who are ill, bereaved, feeling lonely or in need of someone to talk to.

It will be able to listen and talk to residents, and signpost them to relevant information or professional services when needed.

Michelle Von Kimmelmann, volunteer and corporate administration manager at Farleigh Hospice, said the initiative has been "in the pipeline for some time".

She said: "We were aware that there are people in our community who need a friend or some advice and support, and, as a community-focussed charity, we wanted to be able to extend the care we offer beyond our usual remit to bridge this gap.

"Farleigh Helpers is open to anyone locally, regardless of age or circumstances, who is in need of someone to talk to.

"Our helpers offer friendship - they're there to provide a listening ear and direct people to additional information and services that may be of use."

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The hospice is also looking to expand its team of Farleigh Helpers to support residents in the area.

A spokesperson for Farleigh Hospice said it is looking for "kind, caring volunteers who are good listeners, IT savvy and who want to make a positive difference to people's lives in the local community".

The roles are home-based.

The service will initially run from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - it will be extended to cover weekends depending on demand.

People who want to speak to a Farleigh Helper can schedule a regular chat or get in touch as the need arises.

To arrange a call back from a Farleigh Helper, call 01245 933800 or email [email protected].

To find out more about becoming a Farleigh Helper and to complete an application form, visit its website using the link here.