New leader for key local charity aims to secure a sustainable future
Ilkley & District Good Neighbours has appointed Stephen Hey as its new Chair of Trustees, as the long-established local charity looks to secure a sustainable future for its services supporting older people.
Stephen takes over from Ed Duguid, who is stepping down after three years as Chair but will remain a trustee. Stephen has a long-standing connection with Good Neighbours, having volunteered as an IDGN befriender for the past 11 years.
He said: “I’ve always found befriending very rewarding. Our clients, who rapidly become friends, are extremely appreciative of our efforts. Loneliness and isolation in later years are a growing challenge, as families are often smaller and more spread out, while restricted mobility can constrain people’s lives.”
Ilkley & District Good Neighbours (IDGN) has supported older people locally for more than 50 years. Its services include Befriending, ShopAssist, Friendship Groups and social trips, together with support for people living with dementia and their carers through dementia cafés, information and one-to-one advice.
Last year IDGN supported 158 local people, with 84 volunteers contributing more than 4,600 hours of their time.
Stephen said the charity’s volunteers and staff provided strong foundations for the future: “Our volunteers bring not just their time, but friendship, reliability and a real connection with the people we support. Behind them is a small and dedicated staff team who assess clients, coordinate our services and support our volunteers.”
But ensuring IDGN is financially sustainable is likely to be one of the biggest challenges of his time as Chair. Local authority funding has reduced significantly, meaning the charity increasingly needs to generate income from fundraising, local businesses and individual supporters.
Stephen said: “Our priority is to make sure Good Neighbours is financially sustainable so these important services are still here for local older people in the years ahead. We have been part of this community for more than 50 years and want to be here for many more.”
Outgoing Chair Ed Duguid said he was proud of what IDGN had achieved and confident about its future: “Ilkley & District Good Neighbours is a great organisation and the work it does is so valuable to people in our community. Working with fantastic trustees and our amazing staff has been a privilege,
“We are blessed with brilliant volunteers who give their time freely. I am also particularly proud of the development of our services for people living with dementia and their carers.”
Ed said one of the highlights of his time as Chair was the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which brought clients, volunteers and supporters together: “It was the Ilkley community at its best. Now it’s time for me to return to the backbenches and continue supporting the organisation in whatever way I can. I know Stephen will bring new skills, energy and commitment to the role.”
Stephen added: “Whether through volunteering, fundraising or financial support, the continued backing of local people will help us make sure Good Neighbours is here for the next generation of older people who need us.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Good Neighbours’ support, or you would like to volunteer, fundraise or donate to the charity, contact Ilkley & District Good Neighbours on 01943 609906 or visit goodneighboursilkley.org.uk
