A NATIONAL charity based in Bromsgrove has launched a volunteer drive.

The Stroke Association is trying to find new volunteers to help on its Stroke Helpline.

The charity has developed a range of services to support people affected by stroke, and their family and carers.

Someone has a stroke every five minutes in the UK and is the biggest cause of adult disability, so the organisation is keen to find volunteers to help people living life after stroke.

The association's headquarters are the Life After Stroke Centre in Church Road. A volunteering open day is being held at the headquarters on Tuesday, August 19, from 3pm to 5pm, where anyone interested can tour the centre and find out more details.

The team of volunteers help with all aspects of the service including taking helpline calls.

Volunteers will need to be passionate about supporting people affected by stroke, and able to work on their own initiative as part of a busy team.

All roles require good communication and IT skills. Those taking helpline calls will need to be good listeners and have particularly good verbal communication skills.

Successful applicants will receive training that will be designed to suit the different roles and skills needed.

For more details visit stroke.org.uk.