A DISABLED man’s campaign to launch a befriending scheme for the housebound has received a good response – but not from the bedridden people he wanted to help.

Michael Halliday says he has been overwhelmed by the community’s response to an appeal for volunteers.

Mr Halliday, 45, of Teagles, Laindon, says he now has 15 volunteers willing to visit disabled people, keep them company and help around the house.

But he thinks fear of being exploited may be stopping disabled people signing up as clients.

Mr Halliday, who is housebound and suffers from Parkinson’s disease has now issued a fresh plea for housebound and bedridden people to get in touch.

And he says they need not worry about being exploited or conned, since all the scheme’s volunteers will be police-checked and trained.

Mr Halliday, a former social worker, said volunteers would be trained to handle disabled people and would not be allowed to carry out any tasks involving money, or to accept gifts.

He added “The response to the article in the Echo was amazing.

“I was overwhelmed and am grateful to everyone who came forward.

“But we need to hear from bedridden and housebound people, because the service is all about caring for them.

“When I first became bedridden I suffered from fear of others abusing my position, but I managed to overcome it.

“I’m very sad those people haven’t come forward.

“We need to reach out to them and show we are not here to take advantage.”

Mr Halliday has spent much of the past five years in his bedroom, but has still managed to gain dozens of qualifications in the social sciences.

Anyone who wants to sign up – as a volunteer or a client – can call Mr Halliday on 01268 417535.