About Us
How It All Started
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.
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 to secure start-up funding. Many more people joined in to volunteer, and York Neighbours was born.
Meet the Staff Team
Kallum Taylor - Executive Officer
I support our staff and trustees to ensure our services run efficiently and continue to benefit older people while meeting rising demand, as well as leading on income generation, safeguarding, and external engagement.
What I love most about my job is how tangible our work is – essentially enabling neighbourliness – and all the good stuff that comes from it, for hundreds of people.
In my spare time I like to get away on long walks with my dog, and still try to play football.
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
- 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.