Embsay and Eastby Good Neighbours held their second Christmas meal on the 15^th December for those residents that the charity have been able to help over the last year.

36 residents enjoyed a tasty pie with roast potatoes and fresh vegetables followed by Christmas pudding or trifle and mince pies and 7 who were not able to get out received a frozen meal. The afternoon event closed with the showing of a Laurel and Hardy film.

Comments received from those who attended included “we had a lovely time”,  “what a lovely thing for Good Neighbours to do” and “Thank you for a lovely Christmas celebration.  It was a very good lunch and enjoyable meeting friends”.

All current safety rules and precautions were taken to safeguard all those attending.

Thanks to all those who attended and also to all the volunteers who offered to help.

The Good Neighbours project was set up in 2016 and obtained charitable status in 2019.  It provides assistance to local residents, lifts for medical appointments, to the bank or hairdresser, shopping for those unable to get out, collecting prescriptions, as well as various other “odd jobs”. A key aim of the charity is to support people living on their own and local volunteer befrienders provide friendship and support to a number of people in the village community.

During the pandemic Embsay and Eastby Good Neighbours have managed to continue to provide assistance always working within the government guidelines.  The befrienders have kept in touch with those they befriend by regular phone calls and when allowed meeting up in a garden for a cup of tea and chat.

The number to contact for help is 07544 004971

Embsay and Eastby Good Neighbours (Charity number 1189466).