NEWS

A lonely Wetherby widower has hailed the support he’s had from a charity befriending scheme, ahead of a major national awareness week. Peter Haddsley, aged 87, missed the company of his wife Christine when she sadly passed away several years ago. That prompted his granddaughter to contact the town’s leading older persons charity Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE). Peter was then matched with WiSE volunteer Mike Brannen, aged 75- and now the charity is using their story to help mark national Befriending Week (1 to 7 November). Peter said: “When my wife passed away, I wanted a bit…

One of Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) longest serving volunteers has hailed its impact on older people’s lives, as the organisation prepares to mark its 20 year anniversary. Beryl Hughes, from Harrogate has volunteered for WiSE for 18 years. Here, she reflects on the charity’s growth to meet an increasing demand for its services- as well as the joy she has gained volunteering at its broad range of activities and events. “I started my volunteering journey with WiSE around 18 years ago, which was a result of a dear friend’s husband’s dementia diagnosis. I attended a training session…

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) birthday celebrations will hit new heights when it welcomes a major West End star to perform at its biggest musical bash to date. WiSE celebrates 20 years supporting older people across the district next month- and now it’s lined up a star of smash hit show ‘Jersey Boys’ to perform a string of tracks at its fundraising anniversary party. Michael Watson- aka Franki Valli- will sing songs including ‘Sherry’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ from the musical alongside fellow members of his The Four Seasons tribute act. Debbie, activities coordinator at WiSE…

Three quarters of people who answered a survey have told Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) that more dementia services are needed in their area. The finding forms part of the results of a major annual consultation delivered by WiSE to find out more about what people of all ages think about services in their community. WiSE has thanked almost 100 people from across Wetherby and its surrounding villages for having their say via a survey and events, with the results helping the charity to decide how to develop its work and partnerships in the future. Mark Dobson, Chief…

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is appealing for handmade Remembrance Day cards to help combat loneliness across the district. WiSE wants crafty volunteers and children to help them send a Poppy-themed smile to over 60s. With Remembrance Day fast approaching, the charity is calling on supporters to come up with cards to help older people mark this national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms. Melody Mills, Send a Smile Scheme coordinator, said: “Our recent seasonal appeals have been really successful, with hundreds of cards being sent to older people…