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Urgent volunteer appeal as activities attendance surges
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is urgently appealing for new volunteers to join its ranks, as growing demand for its activity schedule risks outstripping current capacity. WiSE, which supports older people across Wetherby and surrounding villages, has seen attendance at its regular timetabled events and its community café – the WiSE Owl Café – rise significantly. The surge in support is a remarkable sign of the programme’s success, but one that places increasing pressure on the charity’s small, dedicated volunteer team. Without new volunteers coming forward, WiSE warns it may be forced to reduce its activities timetable –…
Wetherby dementia event to inspire fresh hope and solidarity for older people and their carers
A free dementia event featuring singing, solidarity and advice will showcase the support available to older people and their carers in Wetherby. Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE), in partnership with Wetherby Local Care Partnership, is hosting the free event to raise awareness of dementia and the support available to those living with the condition and their loved ones. Organisers say they want the event to give fresh hope to the countless people in Wetherby and surrounding villages who live with the devasting effects of dementia on a daily basis. WiSE Chief Operating Officer Mark Dobson, said: “Creating a…
WiSE celebrates three years of popular lifeline memory café
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) memory café’ which provides a safe supportive space for people living with dementia and their carers is celebrating its third birthday. The initiative has already expanded sinch its launch to meet local demand – plus the ‘Forget Me Not’ cafe – a monthly session to offer respite for carers, has been added. Now, the charity behind the café- which was visited more than 800 times last year- say they expect even more people through its doors this year, with local demand for dementia services only increasing. WiSE Dementia Lead Emma Collier, said: “Our…
Grass cuts add to another big year – but funding challenges remain
Rising demand for an older people’s grass cutting scheme has contributed to another huge year for Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) – but future funding challenges remain. In 2025, there were more than 17,500 interactions with WiSE – which delivers range of services that help people stay connected, active and independent. The number of grass cuts and winter maintenance visits WiSE provides shot up from 500 to 600 last year, but BBC Children In Need (CIN) funding for the scheme ends in March. Other stand out successes for the charity included the WiSE Owl Cafe, which reached a…
Christmas tree scheme to boost grass cutting shortfall
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is launching a Christmas tree removal service this winter to boost funding for one of its most popular services. WiSE’s Grass Cutting Scheme is currently funded by BBC Children in Need, but a policy change will leave the project with a £40,000 deficit next year. To help, WiSE has set up a Christmas tree removal service as an extra service for winter work for the Grass Cutting Scheme when the winter work is quieter. Mark Dobson, Chief Operating Officer at WiSE, said: “For years we have worked in partnership with Wetherby Young Offenders…