A hospital trust is calling for volunteers to help out in its dementia wards in a scheme to encourage interaction.

The Barking, Havering and Redbridge University trust (BHRUT) is looking for Dementia Feeding Buddies.

Each year more than 64,000 over 65-year-olds visit King George hospital in Goodmayes and Queen's hospital in Romford, and the Dementia wards have recently seen improvements with colour coded bays, clear signage for the toilets and showers, and time, date and year clocks.

Now the trust, which is still in special measures, has launched a scheme for volunteers to interact with patients with dementia during feeding time, and to provide support to nursing staff on the ward.

The aim is to make feeding times a more social activity.

Training will be provided to all volunteers to develop the skills to be able to feed vulnerable patients safely.

Matron Connie Hughes said: “Following a successful recruitment process, you will be invited to join us at our trust.

“You will be allocated to one of our care of the elderly wards where you will meet the team and become one of our valued volunteers.”

If interested and for more information, email Matron Connie Hughes on connie.hughes@bhrhospitals.nhs.uk with your name and contact details.