A STOURBRIDGE based talking newspaper and magazine which provides a lifeline for people with sight loss is appealing for volunteers.

The Black Country Talking Newspaper and Magazine, run by the Thomas Pocklington Trust in Oldswinford, is looking to expand its team of volunteers who produce the free weekly talking newspaper and monthly audio magazine for those with sight loss problems.

Newspaper and magazine co-ordinator Claire Bayley said: “We’re looking for people who will feel comfortable conducting interviews but who also like getting out and about meeting people. Volunteers will have the opportunity to come up with ideas, take a portable recorder out into the community to do their interviews and come up with interesting ideas for stories.”

The role would suit anyone from student age to retirement age who can spare around two hours per week.

Claire added said: “The talking newspaper and magazine are much-loved by those who receive them, and very often offer a unique and vital lifeline for people with sight loss who simply will not receive that sort of information from elsewhere.”

The talking newspaper features news generated by volunteers and the magazine is a monthly digest containing news, lifestyle tips, quizzes, recipes, features and interviews.

Both are compiled at the charity’s state-of-the-art studio at the Mary Stevens Centre, off Hagley Road, and posted out on CDs to subscribers across the borough.

Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more about the talking newspaper can contact Claire Bayley on 01384 889884 or email claire.bayley@pocklington-trust.org.uk