As it celebrates its 50th anniversary of helping hundreds of people in the community, one of the area’s best-known charities has been dealt a financial blow by Bradford Council. Ilkley Good Neighbours has been told that its key services Shop Assist and Befriending will no longer receive financial support from the Council.
The charity has confirmed that the impact on these two vital projects will be significant.
All the charity’s clients are vulnerable older people trying to continue living independently. Shop Assist provides volunteer support to clients to take them on a weekly shop or to collect shopping on the individual’s behalf. The other service, Befriending, is a one-to-one project providing companionship to those with a limited social network who find difficulty in accessing community groups.
Chairman Ed Duguid said:
“We are bitterly disappointed by the news of the Council’s proposed cuts to these long-running projects.”
“Over the years the Council has supported these services which have helped those who are suffering from isolation and loneliness in our community – something that today is increasing – and the removal of this essential funding will undoubtedly have a major effect.
“Whilst we are aware of the Council’s current financial challenges, and are grateful for their continuing support for one of our other projects, I cannot pretend that this proposed decision won’t have a serious impact on the elderly and most vulnerable in our community.”
With almost 100 volunteers supporting over 200 people Ilkley Good Neighbours oversees a range of projects, from social gatherings such as the popular Moving On Friendship Group to regular excursions and social events. However, Shop Assist and Befriending remain a core part of its mission to support those in the area who require help.
The charity is also now providing dementia services by way of advice and guidance through Dementia Hub and a regular supportive Café for sufferers and their carers.
Ed adds:
“We’ve made major efforts to fund this important service without the support of Bradford Council, and as we wish to continue funding it we will now face additional pressure as a result of having to find further finances for the Shop Assist and Befriending schemes if the Council withdraw their funding."
A number of individuals and organisations have already registered their concern regarding the proposed withdrawal of the charity’s funding.
David Shaw, Chair of the Ilkley Community Network, said:
“This would be a real blow to many people. Ilkley Good Neighbours provides fantastic support to the most vulnerable in our community and was a key organisation with help and information during the Covid pandemic. This decision will seriously undermine the charity’s good work.
“More and more dependence is falling on the volunteer sector, and the cutting of funds for a well-known and effective charity such as this is unacceptable.”
A recent survey was held by the charity on family and client feedback. A few of the many tributes include:
“Thank you for stepping in. I am grateful for all you do, and I know my mum is too. Without you all she could not enjoy the independence she does now….”
“You have provided a lifeline for my mother, enabling her to live independently alone and enjoying this freedom….”
“Dear team, you have changed my life for the better. Love and thanks….”
Chairman of Ilkley Good Neighbours Ed Duguid has asked Bradford Council to reconsider its decision.
“Given the detrimental impact this will have on many people, and the relatively small savings it will make, I just want the Council to look again at the benefits from these key services. It’s important to remember that if our charity is unable to provide this help for the most vulnerable in our community the burden will ultimately fall on the Council’s Department of Adult Social Care and Health. It is likely that without our support many of our clients may be unable to continue to live independently, and therefore have to go into care much earlier than necessary.
“I have asked the Council for a meeting when I can go through our case with them in more detail and hopefully find a way forward.”
If you want to help Ilkley Good Neighbours with a donation you can contact www.goodneighboursilkley.org.uk/donate for information or send a cheque made payable to “Ilkley and District Good Neighbours”. Please include your details so they know who you are.
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