York Neighbours in Big Give Christmas Challenge appeal

York Neighbours – whose model of “organised neighbourliness” sees casual volunteers provide help with one-off odd jobs, regular keeping company phone-calls, and social outings – has been successful in being accepted onto this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge.

This means that, from now until 12 noon on Tuesday, December 9, every pound they raise through the Big Give’s website will be doubled through match-funding.

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Glyn Lynch, one of the Neighbours from the Woodthorpe area, who receives regular ‘keeping company’ calls and help with one-off tasks and errands (Image: Supplied)

Claire Warren, chair of trustees for the charity said:  “In what is an increasingly precarious funding environment for small local charities like ours, this is a vital opportunity for York Neighbours.  We would be so appreciative of any support from readers as it will go twice the distance in continuing our work for an increasing number of older people in York.”

The charity now has 578 people registered with it, described as ‘neighbours’, from across York’s inner and outer areas.

Volunteer Paul Griffin, mid-way through fitting a new rail onto Neighbour Eva Shepherd’s wall for her to hang her walking sticks onto (Image: Supplied)

Jeannette Walker, from Copmanthorpe, said: “York Neighbours’ volunteers are wonderful.  I used to be able to do the jobs that they do for me, but because of my ailments, I can’t do them anymore.  I don’t know what I would do, mentally, especially if they weren’t there to help me.”

Christine Matthews, from the city-centre, said: “Their calls help me because I am a people person.  I’m a chatterbox, but I don’t go out because of my OCD – I haven’t been out for years – and if I haven’t spoken to anyone that day the calls really cheer me up, my day seems brighter.”

The link to donate to the match-funding campaign can be found here.

York Neighbours are a registered charity, number 1163768.  Their Charity Commission page can be found here.

The match-funding pledge is for every pound raised up to £2,000, meaning the charity can raise £4,000 through this mechanism.  Donations beyond this amount still count although will not be doubled.

York Neighbours is now celebrating their tenth year of operating.  They were established in 2015 following the success of the informal ‘Belfrey Neighbours’ project led by members of the St Michael le Belfrey Church.

Now operating from The Raylor Centre in James Street, they have 578 ‘neighbours’ registered and 74 volunteers registered with them across York.  The charity is open both to new referrals and volunteer applications.

They do not charge for their services but do welcome donations.

Anyone wanting to volunteer should phone 01904 891627 or go to www.yorkneighbours.org.uk

Neighbours and a volunteer at a recent outing to New Earswick Bowls Club for a game of boccia and lunch (Image: Supplied)