NEWS
Press Releases
Wetherby older people to benefit from bumper greeting cards donation
A major UK greetings card business has donated a bumper batch of products to aid Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) loneliness busting postal scheme. WiSE has received more than 500 cards from UK Greetings after a Royal Mail employee read about the charity’s popular ‘Send a Smile’ initiative. The scheme aims to cut feelings of isolation and loneliness by asking people to spare 10 minutes to send an older person some handmade post- but also welcomes donations from businesses like this. Royal Mail Consumer Network Manager Janette Clark, who facilitated the donation, said: “I live in Wetherby, read…
WiSE volunteers hail impact top honour has had on their work
Two proud charity volunteers say a major royal honour has given them a big boost, as they continue their work helping isolated older people across the borough. Lindsey and Sue are just two of an army of 130 volunteers left stunned when Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) was named recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service- the top award any UK charity can receive. The generous duo both say supporting WiSE has given them a renewed sense of purpose, with the royal honour a fitting reward for the hard work they see their fellow volunteers putting in…
WiSE passes 500-card milestone in loneliness busting postal push
At least 500 older people in Wetherby have raised a smile thanks to a charity postal project designed to cut feelings of isolation and loneliness. Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) ‘Send A Smile’ scheme launched just four months ago, but has already received 500 pieces of handmade post sent in by everyone from crafty kids to Girl Guide groups. The charity launched the initiative as part of its wider efforts to support older people in Wetherby and its surrounding villages- with loneliness known to contribute to many other health related issues. Melody Mills, Send a Smile Scheme Coordinator,…
WiSE seeks more star bakers to solve cake shortfall at much loved cafe
Star bakers who know their choux buns from their soggy bottoms are being sought by Wetherby’s leading older persons charity. Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) wants cake-loving volunteers to rustle up sweet treats alongside its regular cohort of bakers to boost the work of its popular community café in Boston Spa. The WiSE Owl Café is a popular meeting place for people of all ages from Wetherby and its surrounding villages, as well as raising much needed cash to aid the charity’s work to support older people across the district. But more bakers are needed to meet customer…
A blog by WiSE Chief Operating Officer, Mark Dobson
What a moment! When the incredible news landed that we’d been named recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service I smiled from ear to ear. It undoubtedly ranks as my proudest moment working for WiSE. My thoughts immediately turned though to our army of outstanding volunteers whose dedication, selflessness and energy this prestigious award is all about. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the equivalent of an MBE and is the greatest honour a charity like ours can ever receive. The fact the announcement has coincided with Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations makes it feel even more special….