CHRONIC wounds, skin damage, bedsores, swollen legs and leg ulcers are more common than people realise.

And now, enthusiastic new members are being sought to "speak out for skin."

To make sure we do not take our skin for granted, the Care Plus Group Skin Health Collaborative is calling on volunteers to help promote awareness.

Through promotion of these issues, health experts hope to prevent them from occurring, especially in the older generations.

Within North East Lincolnshire there is a Skin Integrity Team, which comprises of four specialist nurses, whose role is to care for people with debilitating wounds.

They work in partnership with the Skin Health Collaborative.

Lynda Mapplebeck, tissue viability nurse manager at Care Plus Group, said: "In vulnerable people wounds do not heal in the normal way.

"There are many reasons for this, people with diabetes, people who are overweight, older people and people who are less mobile are most at risk.

"I don't think the general public are aware of the extent of the problem in North East Lincolnshire and the devastating effect that difficult-to-heal wounds have on the quality of life for individuals and their families.

"Through our work, we want to reach younger people who may have problems in later life.

"If we can provide them with the information they need to self care they can considerably reduce their risk in the future."

Do Bilham, a volunteer for The Care Plus Group Skin Health Collaborative, began promoting healthy skin after her mum suffered with leg ulcers.

She believes people need to take more care of their skin in order to stay clear of any future problems.

She said: "As a volunteer I go out into the community delivering leaflets, setting up display boards and generally bringing awareness to the issues surrounding skin.

"It is not a topic people regularly discuss unless someone is suffering from a skin condition, which is then too late to prevent.

"We try to make sure people have direct contact details to health professionals should they need any help with their skin.

"It was horrible to see my mum suffer from ulcers. They caused her a lot of distress so I want to do my part to make sure others do not go through the same.

"It tends to be the older people who suffer more as their skin gets thinner.

"I really enjoy being a part of this service and I hope others come on board to help out."

The Skin Health Collaborative team also advises the public to seek advice for wounds that are proving difficult to heal.

Julie Grimmer, cancer and CHD programme manager at Care Plus Group, said: "If you can spare some free time that is convenient to you, even just a few hours, we would love to hear from you.

"The Skin Health Collaborative is a great team and members find it very rewarding helping the local community, whilst also having fun."

Anyone can become a volunteer. For more information about the Skin Health Collaborative, call Julie Grimmer on 01472 232261.