NEWS

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) has coordinated efforts with local community outreach agencies to provide 250 winter warmer packs to older and vulnerable people. WiSE’s support comes at a time when heating bills remain astronomically high and winter fuel payments for have been cut, leaving many older people at risk of fuel poverty. WiSE and Leeds Community Foundation have funded the packs- containing a fleece blanket, hot water bottle, hot cup, soup cup, hand warmers, thermal hat, gloves, socks and information from agencies about staying well in winter. WiSE Chief Operating Officer Mark Dobson, said: “Although WiSE is…

A swell of demand has prompted a much loved Wetherby charity café to extend its opening by an extra day. The WiSE Owl Café celebrated its 10th birthday last year, but organisers say its new Friday opening is in response to the growing range of customers pouring through its doors. Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) originally set up its WiSE Owl Café as a social hub for older residents- but the facility has since developed into a thriving café offering a safe space to meet for people of all ages four days a week. Emma English, manager at…

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is appealing for handmade Christmas cards for its popular postal scheme designed to reduce isolation and loneliness. WiSE would like volunteers to help them ‘send a smile’ to over 60s over the festive period – and say that someone is thinking of them. This is the third Christmas card appeal for WiSE’s postal scheme, which has become so popular; the charity says it is nearing its 3,000th item of post sent. Melody Mills, Send a Smile Scheme coordinator, said: “Christmas can be a lonely time for many – especially older people who don’t…

A charity café visited by almost 4,000 people across Wetherby has celebrated its second birthday. Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) launched its Welcome Café two years ago to support people of all ages as they battled the cost of living crisis. The café proved so successful over its 102 weekly sessions that the short term initiative became a permanent fixture as part of Voluntary Action Leeds’ award-winning ‘Warm Spaces’ scheme. WiSE Chief Operating Officer Mark Dobson, said: “What started out as a short term initiative to help people through winter hardship proved to be a desperately needed social…

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) wants sponsors to help a hamper appeal which aims to curb isolation across the district. WiSE hopes residents and businesses will donate cash or goods which can then be turned into hampers which will raise money at raffles throughout the year. WiSE fundraisers say money raised through the appeal could prove vital, as hundreds of people prepare for the long winter months ahead. Liz, fundraiser at WiSE, said: “Every hamper we manage to whip up- be it through donated cash or goods- will be given away as raffle prizes, turning your small donation…