About

How It All Started

Their focus was on those not yet in need of regular care or formal support – but whose independence and wellbeing would be prolonged by occasional practical help and social interaction – and it worked.

This led to requests to grow the group across all of York. Those involved worked with other community groups to develop the idea further, understand what was already being done, and secure start-up funding. Many more people joined in to volunteer, and York Neighbours was born.York Neighbours registered as an independent charity (CIO) in 2015. This followed the growth of an informal project called “The Belfrey Neighbours” that was set up by members of the St Michael le Belfrey Church in 2012.

York Neighbours was set up as a charity in 2015.

This followed the success of a community-led project, called “The Belfrey Neighbours”, by members of York’s St Michael le Belfrey Church in 2012.

A simple but timely idea, this came in response to the changing funding landscape and rising pressures on services supporting older people. Using local knowledge, volunteers gave informal support to those at risk of falling through the gaps between those services and a having little or no local friends or family.

This came in response to the changing funding landscape and rising pressures for many services supporting older people. Using local knowledge, this saw volunteers supporting those they knew in the community who were at risk of “falling through the gaps” between those services and a limited or non-existent social support network. Their focus was on those not yet in need of formal or regular support (through the likes of Adult Social Care) but whose independence and wellbeing would be supported, even prolonged, through neighbourly bits of practical help and social interaction that they would otherwise going without.

The project was so successful, it led to the city council asking the group if there was scope to grow it across the whole of York. Local churches and other community groups then teamed up to spread the word. More volunteers stepped up, and with vital start-up support from funders and partners, York Neighbours was born.

Meet the Staff Team

Kallum Taylor - Executive Officer

I manage our small (but mighty) staff team and work closely with trustees, lead on income generation, service delivery, communications, and safeguarding – all the while ensuring we are well placed to keep making a positive impact.

What I love most about being here is just how tangible and relevant our work is – essentially enabling neighbourliness, and all the good stuff that comes from that, for hundreds of people.

In spare time outside of work and family commitments I like to play football, run, and get out on long walks with my dog Murphy.

Hermione Jewitt - Assistant Coordinator

I support the day to day running of the charity alongside our other assistant coordinator, from incoming calls and coordinating volunteers to planning tasks and outings for our Neighbours.

The thing I enjoy most about my role is hearing from our Neighbours when we have helped them at home. The acts of kindness that we facilitate might seem small, but do make life a little bit easier for people in need.

In my spare time I play in a local community orchestra, and enjoy exploring the outdoors beyond York where I can hike and draw.

Christina Driver - Community Fundraising Officer

I build connections within the local community, support community-led fundraisers and our participation in larger events such as the Yorkshire Marathon, all to raise vital funds so that York Neighbours can keep helping older people across the city.

What I enjoy most about my role is working with a great team, meeting lots of new people and facilitating more fundraising so we can support more neighbours.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three children, my dog and travelling.

Emily Fairs - Assistant Coordinator

My role at York Neighbours entails answering phones and emails, registering new Neighbours and volunteers, and organising our social outings.

My favourite aspect of working here is onboarding new volunteers and guiding them through each step of the recruitment process.

In my spare time I love reading and attend a local book club, and love watching and analysing films. I also spend much of my time playing piano and guitar and baking lots of sweet treats.

Our Board of Trustees

Supporting and guiding York Neighbours are our brilliant board of Trustees; Caroline Wilson, Helen Aitchison, Jim Cannon, Judy Donovan, Les Holmes, Lynn Bradshaw, Katherine Peters, Kelly Wheatley, Samantha Stockill, and Tina Davis.

Our Trustees bring with them a wide variety of professional skills, perspectives, and life experiences. They kindly share these to support our small staff team, and ensure that the charity is well governed, legally and financially compliant, and operating in line with its mission, purpose, and values.

To find out more, take a look at our Charity Commission page.