n A SUPPORT group is holding an open meeting for anyone who has, or knows someone who has, a thyroid problem. The Cumbria Advisory Thyroid Service is offering information about the condition as well as an opportunity to meet fellow sufferers at the gathering, which will take place at the Marchesi Centre, Windermere, on Wednesday, March 16, at 2pm. The group, which recently relocated to Ulverston, gives information and support about thyroid dysfunction and also promotes thyroid awareness in the community. It offers an advice line, a quarterly newsletter and information leaflets. For more information, contact Moyra Marshall on 01229-869705.

n VICTIM Support Cumbria a charity that deals with up to 4,000 crimes each year in the Furness and South Lakeland area is recruiting volunteers. Volunteers at Victim Support's Barrow office deal with victims of crime, offering free, confidential advice and practical help with compensation claims and helping people to understand police and court procedures. Further information and application packs can be obtained by contacting Dee Taylor or Kerry Kosak on 01229-839989.

n "THERE is still so much to do" were the last words of Dr Thomas Barnardo on September 19, 1905. One hundred years later, the charity that bears his name is to begin celebrations of its founder's life with the publication of a report, Then and Now, which highlights the continuing plight of young children. Although it no longer runs orphanages, Barnardo's is still dedicated to giving children a good start in life.

n MOBILE phone users are being urged to donate old or unwanted phones to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance. Specsavers, at 37 Stricklandgate, Kendal, is acting as a drop off point for old mobile phones which will then be recycled to raise much-needed cash for the air ambulance which receives no mainstream funding and relies entirely on charitable donations to keep it in the air. People can also send their old mobile phones direct to the charity at Freepost North West Air Ambulance. For details, or to make a donation, call 0800-587-4570.

n THE work carried out by Furness Carers Association has been given a boost thanks to a grant from Cumbria County Council. Among the services which will benefit from the funding are the aromatherapy sessions, which they say "reinvigorates carers, and gives them a muchneeded break from the hard work of caring for an elderly, sick or disabled relative". For more information call 01229-822822.

n DOCKER Park Farm Visitor Centre, at Arkholme, is using its annual open day to raise money for charity. North West Labrador Rescue and Epilepsy Action will benefit from the money raised at the open day, which takes place on Sunday, February 13, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and features sheepdog demonstrations, stalls and tombolas. For details, call 015242-21331.

n THE Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands branch of Amnesty International UK is holding a coffee morning at Cartmel Village Hall on Saturday, February 26, from 10am to noon. Stalls will include books, plants, cakes, crafts, bric-a-brac and gifts.

n BLOOD donor sessions will take place on Wednesday, February 9, from 2pm to 4pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at the St John Boste Social Club, at Gillinggate, Kendal.