Ilkley volunteers are keeping 39 neighbors company

Thirty-five volunteers with Ilkley & District Good Neighbours are the reason 39 people in the Wharfe valley have a regular call, a visit, or a hand with the shopping. The Ilkley Gazette reported on October 29, 2026, that the charity is marking National Befriending Week, November 1 to 7, by thanking those volunteers. The matches cover Ilkley, Addingham, and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Jean, who receives the visits, told the paper she looks forward to her befriender, that they chat about all sorts of things, and that the volunteer takes her shopping. She said the visit gives the week a structure, keeps fresh groceries in the house, and makes her feel part of the town when getting out is getting harder. Chair Stephen Hey called the volunteers the backbone of the work and tied the company to health as well as loneliness. Volunteers are recruited, vetted, and trained, and the matches are managed so both people stay safe.

The Loafer Bakery in Ilkley donated baked treats for the volunteers. Where it works, the treats will be shared with the person they visit. The charity said the service costs more than £20,000 a year and that it receives no statutory funding, so it depends on local donations. The Gazette story is about this volunteer list and this week of thanks. It does not say how long each match has lasted.