The new Mayor of Ely Lis Every visited a charity which helps people live independently in their own homes with a good quality of life for her first ceremonial event.

On Wednesday, two days after taking office, Mrs Every visited Care Network Cambridgeshire’s Ely office where the volunteer led Help at Home and Community Navigator projects are based.

Help at Home offers free short term practical help when someone is unwell or has come out of hospital.

They also offer help with one-off tasks to allow someone to remain independent and in their home homes for as long as possible.

The Community Navigators project, which is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, tackles social isolation by getting older or vulnerable adults the right information at the right time - making them aware of their entitlements.

Mrs Taylor gave her backing to the new mayor, who she said understood the value of volunteers.

She said: “The mayor has a great understanding of things from a business perspective.

“She knows the value that volunteers bring to the community by manning charity shops, or saving social care hours doing tasks and that volunteers make our community a better place to live.

“I feel she is keen that volunteers are appreciated and recognised for what they do and how they benefit our community.

“It was a real pleasure to have her attend our event, and I think she is off to a great start as Ely’s new mayor”

People interested in either volunteering for Care Network’s Help at Home or Community Navigators Project, or who wish to use the services of either project, can contact Anne Marie on 01353 659639 or Care Network Cambridgeshire’s head office in Hardwick on 01954 212100.