Celebrating Keighley's volunteers!
This week, Keighley joins communities across the UK in celebrating National Volunteers Week, a time to recognize the incredible individuals who give their time, skills, and hearts to make our town a better place for everyone. Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community hubs, support services and the charity shops on our high streets, improving our community every single day.
We so may dedicated volunteers right here within Keighley BID and we want to thank you all. Each day this week we will be featuring one of our members with incredible volunteers whose contribution makes a real difference to our community.
Age UK Bradford & District Hub
The Age UK Bradford & District Keighley hub is celebrating the vital contribution of its five volunteer “support team workers” who help over-50s across the Bradford District access essential services and social connection.
Emma, Retail Lead at the Keighley hub, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the volunteers who make the charity’s work possible.
“I want to thank all our volunteer support team workers who make it possible for us to provide vital support to the over 50s in our community,” she said. “We have amazing support team workers, some of whom really do go above and beyond.”
The hub (located at Unit 8 Airedale Centre, Cooke Lane, BD21 3PF) provides a warm and welcoming space where older residents can access comprehensive advice and information resources, participate in social activities, and receive one-to-one support through the buddy scheme.
The hub has five volunteer support team workers, who dedicate their time to various roles. They help to run everything from the weekly Thursday drop-in sessions to the retail shop that funds the charity. Their efforts include sorting donations, providing administrative support, working directly with community members, and facilitating social groups and the popular buddy scheme.
Within the community hub is a retail shop, which sells clothing, homewares and bric-a-brac. All profits from the shop are reinvested into resources for the over 50’s in the Bradford District, including a phone advice line, website and community hubs.
Make a difference and volunteer
Emma emphasised how the volunteer experience benefits both the Keighley community and the individuals who give their time:
“As well as the support you give our charity, I love to see the difference we make to you by placing you in roles which let your skills shine and supporting you to grow.
Every little helps, you can work as much or as little time as you like. We are a friendly and supportive team who look for roles that work around your skills and what you like to do. “
At the time of writing the community hub are in need of volunteers to help with events and take part in the buddy scheme. If you would like to get involved please pop into to or get in touch with the hub.
Donations always welcome
Donations are always welcome and they can be dropped in store during opening hours. Men’s clothes are always in short supply, so if you are having a sort through your wardrobe the shop would particularly welcome donations of menswear.
During National Volunteers Week, we wanted to thank all the incredible volunteers making the town a better place for everyone. These remarkable people give their time and skills to help others throughout the Keighley.