Can you help? Call to support isolated residents by Harrogate charity

The Harrogate Easier Living Project issued an online appeal on Monday, calling for new drivers in Masham and Knaresborough, as well as befrienders in Pateley Bridge.

Project Development Worker, Lizzie Hughes, said referrals had increased from clients,third party community groups and support workers.

She said: “Currently clients are increasingly dependant on our service, but as more people hear about us, the need has rocketed.

“Our existing volunteers do a fabulous job, but we simply can’t fulfil the needs of older and vulnerable people in our community without more.”

Among the regular journeys provided by the charity are to help people attend medical appointments, therapy sessions and lunch clubs. It highlighted that while it had received 29 requests for journeys on Tuesday it would have to turn down eight of these due to the demand for drivers.

According to the charity clients have flagged a lack of transport as a major barrier for them in their annual client survey. This was alongside residents reporting they feel lonely or isolated at home. A third of them said the charity were an important part of their network of help.

To find out more about volunteering visit Helpharrogate.org.uk