A South Norfolk community group which brings young and old people together is in desperate need of volunteers, just one year after forming.

Diss Mercury: Young and old come teogether to take part in Diss Kindness Club. Picture: Bethany GoodeYoung and old come teogether to take part in Diss Kindness Club. Picture: Bethany Goode (Image: Archant)

Established in the summer of 2016, Diss Kindness Club is a multi-age group bringing everyone from young children through to octogenarians together in one space.

Supported by the Norwich-based charity The Missing Kind, each week young and old people come together to take part in 'kindness activities', whether it is making gifts, decorating cakes or enjoying a game of scrabble.

But, despite the club being extremely popular with participants, its future is at risk as all of the current volunteers will soon be leaving the area to go to university.

Sheila Eagle, the club founder, who is appealing for new volunteers said: 'I would hate to stop the club because I can't get any volunteers.

'It really is worth volunteering.

'The difference we see in the older people is amazing and it's a great experience for younger people too.'

Mrs Eagle explained how the group was started with the idea of bring older and younger generations together.

'It's well researched that for older people to be able to share experiences improves their quality of life and life expectancy.

'The group helps to break down generational barriers.'

Deborah McHardy, the manager of Weavers Court, the NorseCare-run sheltered housing complex where the club meets, said: 'What a difference the kindness club has made to our tenants here.

'I think it is a brilliant idea and I have talked about it at various meetings within NorseCare.

'There have been lots of positive responses from other schemes/homes wanting to have a similar group in their workplaces.'

Mrs Eagle said: 'If we could get more volunteers it would be amazing - we won't shut it down but it will be a real struggle to keep the club running, without new volunteers. It would be a perfect opportunity for young people doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award or wanting to gain work experience.'

Anyone interested in finding out more and becoming a volunteer with the group, which meets on Mondays, from 4pm to 6.30pm in Weavers Court, Diss should email sheila@missingkind.org