Ms Merron, whose departmental responsibilities encompass social exclusion, met staff and volunteers from the Blythe House Charity Shop, Grapevine Café, Buxton Volunteer Bureau and Peak and Dales Advocacy.

"All of these groups are thriving, really making a difference to the lives of their customers, especially to vulnerable people," said the minister.

"That is what we mean by social inclusion: people should not be excluded from mainstream society just because they are old, frail, poor, lonely or disabled.

"Voluntary bodies like those I have seen today play a really valuable role."

During her visit to the Blythe House charity shop, Ms Merron praised the operation for being a "well-run enterprise providing a very welcome service to its customers, especially students".

She met volunteers, trustees and service users at the Grapevine Café, which supports people with mental health problems and other personal difficulties.

"This place provides a personal service in a way that statutory bodies are not geared to do," manager Julie Keeling told the minister.

Ms Merron also visited Buxton Volunteer Centre and met young volunteers and older supporters and trustees from both the centre and Peak and Dales Advocacy.