A lovely York charity Bec met recently was ‘York Neighbours’ based in the Raylor Centre on James Street.  They and their group of volunteers ‘lend a hand’ to people in the city over the age of 65 who need a little help. They do one off jobs that an older person might find hard to do; things like changing light bulbs, or buying a supermarket shop on their return from hospital.

“I got an insight into their service whilst talking to Helen, their lovely Co-ordinator.

Willy called up to say he needed a lift to get his flu jab at the doctors and Noreen’s daughter rang to ask if someone could pop round to see her mum next week as she would be away and unable to visit. Both calls were answered in an upbeat friendly manner and the outcome established clearly and concisely.  It was really lovely to hear.

York Neighbours also offer a friendly phone call service to their one hundred or so service users on a fortnightly basis to check-in on people. Some calls are a quick discussion just to establish that everything is fine, others a half an hour chat about all sorts of things; whatever that particular person needs. These calls quickly establish if there is anything out of sorts with a person and York Neighbours are quick to react to any unusual conversations or indeed people who don’t answer.

Volunteers are the lifeblood to York Neighbours and they range from 18 to 80 year olds. The premise to being a volunteer is simple; anyone can be a good ‘neighbour’.”

York Neighbours are always on the look out for volunteer ‘neighbours’. Just a couple of hours a week makes a huge difference, so if you fancy giving a little of your time – contact them at www.yorkneighbours.org.uk or call us on 01904 891627