Become a ‘buddy’ to area’s older people (From Keighley News)

Become a ‘buddy’ to area’s older people

10:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

“Buddies” are being sought for a variety of activities by a group that supports older people in Keighley and surrounding villages.

Bradford Shares is looking for drivers, gardeners, tea-makers, pianists, flat-pack builders and even bingo callers as part of its “good neighbour” search.

It also wants to hear from lonely over-55s willing to link up with another person for joint theatre trips, holidays and visits to social groups.

The requests have grown out of a launch event held by Bradford Shares in Denholme.

Bradford Shares, run by charitable organisation Creative Support, is managed by Shona Grange, who also organises the Not Over The Hill Yet over-50s social group in Haworth.

Shona received several offers of help, as well as ideas for what all the people would like to do.

She said: “We now have some idea of the sorts of things over-55s want and the skills they have on offer. We are keen to introduce more people to the scheme so that we can match people up.”

She said one useful way people could help was by visiting a lonely elderly person in their street for a cup of tea and a chat.

Shona said: “Often people say they have no time to volunteer, but 20 minutes talking to a neighbour is not a huge inconvenience.

“We are trying to encourage anyone who’s lonely to get in touch. They can help each other out by meeting, giving someone a phone call or writing a letter.”

Shona said she had received a lot of requests for drivers. “If someone can’t walk very far and the public transport in their area is poor, they become prisoners in their own home,” she said. “If they like going out for lunch or to the theatre, but don’t like to go alone, can we match them up? Can we find some buddies who would like to go on holiday as a group to avoid single supplements and reduce the cost of travel?”

Bradford Shares will have another get-together on Wednesday, from 1pm to 3pm in Keighley Civic Centre.

For more details, contact Shona on 01274 482438 or e-mail shonagrange@btinternet.com.