WORTHING charity Guild Care has launched its annual Christmas appeal.

Without the support of its community, Guild Care would not be able to offer its vital and diverse services to more than 3,000 children and vulnerable older people every year.

Donations allow Guild Care to help those aged five and above, children, young adults and adults with special needs, older people and those living with dementia including their carers.

Jean Perrott goes to the Guild Care Centre at North Street, Worthing, which is open during the daytime to anyone over the age of 50, and says that it has been a lifeline for her.

She said: “When I lost my 57-year-old son Ian two years ago I found it so hard to cope.

“Without this centre I am not sure I would still be here, as I was so depressed.

“ Coming to the Guild Care Centre means I have reason to get up and get dressed.

“I’ll even have my nails done at their salon sometimes.

“I’ve made friends too and just feel so much better – although I think of Ian every day I’m now able to cope mentally with my loss.

“This service truly has been a lifeline for me and I’m so grateful that this charity can offer something so valuable to me and other local people.”

The charity’s services also include its Ashdown Centre, which provides a safe, stimulating and fun environment on Saturdays and school holidays for children and young people with a range of disabilities and special needs, to home care services that promote independence by helping people with many aspects of daily living.

Its sheltered housing and three care homes are located within the Worthing area with one home specialising in dementia care.

Importantly, the charity recognises the need to support the carers and siblings of their service users through advice and organised outings. If you can support Guild Care with a gift of any size this Christmas then it would be appreciated.

You can send a cheque made payable to Guild Care to Freepost RTHC-YAHA-TYXT, Methold House, North Street, Worthing.