The HELP Association Vega Baja helps people of all ages with all sorts of problems, ranging from lost passports to sudden deaths.  We operate a 24hr emergency help line so if you need help suddenly, telephone 965704282 and listen to the recorded message to obtain the telephone number of the Volunteer on duty.

We aim to assist in practical ways particularly at times of crisis and when police or medical services are involved.  Orthopaedic equipment, wheelchairs, crutches etc. can be hired at our San Miguel Office.  We have a Diabetic Support Group, Friendship Centre, Hospital Visiting Teams and our Social Group ‘Friends Unlimited’ meets every Thursday.  Our offices are located in Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4, Tel: 965 704 282 and in San Miguel de Salinas at Calle Lope de Vega, Tel: 966 723 733.  Information and advice can be obtained between 10.00 and 13.30 Monday to Friday.

We are self-funding through Membership and Charity Sales so appreciate all donations, as well as items to sell or use as prizes.   New members and volunteers are always welcome. 
For further information on any of the above - Tel 966 723 733.

As from this next Sunday, 20th December 2009, and each following week, there will be car boot sales held in Algorfa, at  Urb. Campo Golf  from 9-00am until 2-00pm. The venue is situated behind the Bancaja and Witchery Restaurant where the Mi Jardin garden centre used to be. Stand holders may arrive from 7-00am, in preparation for the public who may arrive at 9-00am.
 
These sales will provide charities and individuals with a lucrative opportunity to make additional income.  For anyone who has attractive and affordable goods that they may wish to sell, whether it be for the benefit of others, their business or themselves, these car boot sales will provide the avenue for presenting them to the general public. To guarantee the best position it is recommended that you book early but there will also be spaces available on the day.
 

I have been a volunteer for MABS, The Cancer Support Group, Mazarrón for two years and today something delightful happened. I meet a lovely lady, who allowed me to interview her about her treatment for breast cancer. The interview was given to help others in a similar position. In September 2008 she noticed a numb patch of skin about the size of a 20 cent coin (maybe due to nerve damage) on her right breast, but having numerous visitors, thought no more about it for another month. She had three close friends, who had cancer, so thought she was one of the lucky ones. Things like that happen to other people. Don’t they?
Statistics suggest that 1 in 9 women have Breast Cancer at some point in their lives and sadly, this figure seems to be increasing.
Ruth, not her real name, explained to me that she wasn’t in the Spanish Health Service, but decided after all her visitors had gone she would have the lump checked out by visiting a private doctor on Camposol. As she said, the earlier Cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of eradication. She told me that woman in England over 50 usually have mammograms every three years whereas here in Spain it seems to be once every year.

 
Having your breasts against a metal plate is a little uncomfortable she said. So there am I thinking I am glad to be a man. Later, on further reading I discovered that men can also develop Breast Cancer, although it is not nearly as common, with the majority of cases occurring in men over the age of 60.

Swishing

Peter, proprietor of the Don Lorenzo Bar, offers hot dogs and a drink for just 2 € so, along with the 3€ donation to MABS The Cancer Support Group, the event is a brilliant credit crunch buster.  A further 117€ was raised, bringing the total Swishing fundraising to 447€ to date, which has all been donated to MABS Murcia/Mar Menor.