What can I do to get help?

It's good to see you posting again grannyactivist, I had noticed you were missing. Sorry though, that the reason for your post is in desperation. My thoughts may not be sensible but here they are:

Ask local libraries to put something on their newsletters they e-mail out? (My two different area libraries are doing regular newsletters at the moment, so I presume others are.)

Sounds stupid, but newsagent and/or supermarket notice boards?

If you have the time (maybe not) try searching for local clubs etc and ask them if they have e-mail contact and/or notice boards for their members and would they send out a request for you? Eg. bowls clubs, golf clubs, car clubs, exercise classes, gyms?

I wish you the best and hope you have some success soon. Also that you have a good relaxing holiday and don't take this trouble along with you.

Do a talk/presentation for organisations like U3A, Women's Insitute, church group?

Stories of people you've helped (anonymous obviously) so people can get an idea of what's involved?

Sorry. Can you help Thomas?
There's probably other typos. I'm on my phone with no glasses

If your local paper or community noticeboards can give you space could you try making it more personal? Bear in mind I know very little about your clientele so if I'm way off track forgive me.

So something like:

Can you Thomas?
He became homeless after his divorce when his ex wife and children stayed in the family home.
He needs someone to help him fill in the forms to apply for temporary accommodation.
Youll meet at our offices and it should take about 3hrs of your time.

People like to know what they are letting themselves in for and will often respond to a one off appeal fir an individual. Once they've been successful and have a rosy glow, you can say, "Oh I don't suppose you can help Emma with....."

I know there's a training factor there to be considered. It's just an idea.

I wonder if you could overcome people's caution by inviting individuals to come and help with a specific one-off task.

To ask someone to help you to do something in particular would give them an idea of what the set-up is like and might overcome their fears.

I taught some adult education classes and the organiser wouldn't tell me any details about one group. It turned out they all had mental health problems and she'd been afraid I'd back out. I actually found it really enjoyable. They were lovely people and I wished I could have continued the classes but there wasn't the funding.

So maybe it's a case of letting people 'dip their toes' and hope that some of them come back for another paddle!

Have you contacted your WI local federation or Salvation Army. Our W.I. is very active but I know not all groups are the same.

Our local women’s refuge centre is overloaded with “stuff” has willing volunteers but needs someone experienced to help her coordinate the goods. No way to magic up the required experience but possibly a lesson learned for the future.

I’m sure you have tried contacting your local volunteer bureau or your nearest CVS? Sometimes they are separate.

Just thought I’d post here in case others haven’t seen your post.