“The relief at seeing my garden transformed rather took me by surprise and has restored my faith and boosted my confidence.”
What we do
Most people want to remain living independently for as long as possible. However, this can be challenging if you are frail, living with disability or long-term physical or mental health conditions. With the help of over 100 volunteers, we support people across the Harrogate district to stay well supported at home. Our services include:
- Volunteer befriending in Ripon and surrounding rural areas
- ‘Help at Home’ gardening, decorating and odd job service for people unable to do the work themselves or could not afford a professional tradesperson
- Friendship & Exercise Club, Craft Group and social outings
- Here to HELP signposting and information services for people struggling to know where to turn for support and activities
Who we help
We support anyone with conditions related to health or old age which prevents them from doing things they want/need to. It is particularly important to us to be able to help people living without a network of family and friends, or with full-time caring responsibilities, or those who cannot afford to pay for such services.
The difference we make
Something as simple as helping with the gardening or taking the time to listen can have a significant impact on our clients’ health and well-being, often enabling them to continue living independently within their own homes for longer. As well as assisting people on a practical level, much of what we do is about reducing levels of loneliness. Volunteers provide a social lifeline to our beneficiaries by providing a listening ear and conversation.
Our project outcomes are good. Our volunteers remove barriers to getting out and about such as lack of confidence to go out alone. Beneficiaries tell us they feel less isolated, less lonely, have more opportunities for social interaction and feel more confident about living alone as a result of our support.
“My voluntary befriender and I are now good friends.
Loneliness is my biggest problem as it is with most widows and elderly people.”