IF YOU have decided to give up some of your spare time this year to help others then a Southampton hospital needs you.

Voluntary services department staff at Southampton General Hospital have organised an open day in a bid to recruit more helpers.

Volunteers are needed to support patients and relatives at the four hospital sites across the city, and particularly to help staff encourage some of the patients to eat.

Kim Sutton, voluntary services co-ordinator, said: "We are looking for people who can support patients and their relatives to find out more information about their condition.

"Also, we are looking for volunteers who can help our League of Friends with the tea bars and trolleys."

Kim and some of her volunteers will be at the main entrance to the General to tell people about the various opportunities available in the busy acute trust on Tuesday, January 30, from 10am to 5pm.

Volunteers, who must be over 16, can give a couple of hours a week or a couple of days. For more information, visit Southampton General Hospital or contact Kim Sutton on 023 8079 6062.