NEWS

One of Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) dedicated volunteers is highlighting a transport scheme’s positive impact on older people in Wetherby- including himself. David Mills says he’s found solace and purpose in volunteering for WiSE since the death of his wife seven years ago. David volunteers for the charity’s transport scheme, which helps people who might otherwise be lonely and isolated to attend appointments and social events and activities. David said: “When my wife died in 2018, I wanted to do something useful to occupy my spare time and benefit the local community. I enjoy driving and had…

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is heralding another huge year in which it interacted with thousands of older people- but warns funding cuts put its vital work at risk. WiSE had more than 17,000 interactions with older people in 2024. The charity increased the numbers of people accessing some of its key services- including its popular activities timetable, WiSE Owl Café, grass cutting service, transport scheme and Memory Café. But the figures coincide with a threatened reduction in WiSE’s council funding, which charity bosses say threaten its ability to help some of the most vulnerable people in the…

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…