We work with older people, most of whom live alone in Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding villages. We aim to alleviate loneliness and isolation via our Befriending Service and programme of group activities. We are a team of three part time staff managed by a trustee board. We currently work with 200 older people and have almost 100 volunteers.

Evidence shows that loneliness and isolation can lead to depression and morbidity, and can exacerbate physical illness, having the same impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. We know what a difference our service makes to the older people of Harrogate:

• responding to our most recent annual survey (2018), 100% of clients tell us they feel less socially isolated; 75% feel less lonely, and 55% have experienced improved confidence and self-esteem; and
• clients tell us “Supporting Older People has given me a new lease of life,” “getting involved with Supporting Older People was the best thing I ever did” and “I don’t get many visitors. E…’s visits encourage me to talk. I really look forward to seeing him.”