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WiSE men’s breakfast club grows in mental health boost bid
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) breakfast club for gents is breaking barriers and boosting mental health for a growing number of men across the borough. WiSE set up the weekly Men’s Breakfast Club in response to growing demand for support for isolated men of all ages. Now men regularly gather at the WiSE Owl Café at Boston Spa Village Hall each Friday for a chat with others over a bacon bap and a brew, with regulars hailing the camaraderie between such a diverse group of people. Gavin Davies, aged 64 from Boston Spa, said: “The club started in…
Green shoots for older people’s grass cutting scheme despite funding cut
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) has harnessed grants, donations and willpower to keep its much-needed grass cutting scheme for older people going, despite a £40,000 cash shortfall. WiSE continued cutting 60 lawns throughout the summer despite losing Children in Need funding in March due to a policy change. The charity has supported more than 300 grass cuts since April and hopes to help the community’s older people with winter garden jobs and a Christmas tree collection service, if funding allows. Mark Dobson, Chief Operating Officer at WiSE, said: “For years we have worked in partnership with Wetherby Young…
Urgent volunteer appeal as activities attendance surges
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is urgently appealing for new volunteers to join its ranks, as growing demand for its activity schedule risks outstripping current capacity. WiSE, which supports older people across Wetherby and surrounding villages, has seen attendance at its regular timetabled events and its community café – the WiSE Owl Café – rise significantly. The surge in support is a remarkable sign of the programme’s success, but one that places increasing pressure on the charity’s small, dedicated volunteer team. Without new volunteers coming forward, WiSE warns it may be forced to reduce its activities timetable –…
Wetherby dementia event to inspire fresh hope and solidarity for older people and their carers
A free dementia event featuring singing, solidarity and advice will showcase the support available to older people and their carers in Wetherby. Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE), in partnership with Wetherby Local Care Partnership, is hosting the free event to raise awareness of dementia and the support available to those living with the condition and their loved ones. Organisers say they want the event to give fresh hope to the countless people in Wetherby and surrounding villages who live with the devasting effects of dementia on a daily basis. WiSE Chief Operating Officer Mark Dobson, said: “Creating a…
WiSE celebrates three years of popular lifeline memory café
Wetherby in Support of the Elderly’s (WiSE) memory café’ which provides a safe supportive space for people living with dementia and their carers is celebrating its third birthday. The initiative has already expanded sinch its launch to meet local demand – plus the ‘Forget Me Not’ cafe – a monthly session to offer respite for carers, has been added. Now, the charity behind the café- which was visited more than 800 times last year- say they expect even more people through its doors this year, with local demand for dementia services only increasing. WiSE Dementia Lead Emma Collier, said: “Our…