A SOUTHAMPTON charity has opened a new branch to help vulnerable people and families in need of extra support.

Communicare in Southampton already helps 250 people every year through volunteers at their Shirley branch giving up their time to visit lonely and housebound people, go on shopping trips with the elderly, provide social and medical transport and befriend people with mental health problems.

Now the charity is expanding its practical and emotional support work with a new Communicare East branch in Woolston.

Volunteers and special guests gathered outside the charity’s new second base in St Mark’s Institute in Victoria Road for a ribbon cutting after supporters carried 250 balloons on a rally through the city. The charity is still looking for volunteers, for more information call 0845 519 0983.