Fifty pupils from Saltergate School in Harrogate helped spread festive cheer at a lunch held for older and disabled people in the Harrogate area.
The pupils sang a number of traditional hymns and modern Christmas songs in front of an audience of over 70 older and disabled people at the annual Opening Doors Christmas Lunch. The charity, which has been running for over 15 years, promotes independence for older and disabled people in Harrogate, enabling them to access social, leisure, shopping and medical appointments. Opening Doors currently supports around 70 people and has a team of 21 volunteers who enable the clients to get out and about.
Rachel MacKenzie, Opening Doors Service Coordinator, said:
It was wonderful to have the Saltergate choir entertain the older people once again. The pupils have been coming to the Opening Doors Christmas Lunch for three years now and our guests are always delighted to hear them sing.
We were also honoured to welcome the Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Robert Windass and his wife Sylvia to the event. Councillor Windass gave a short speech about the support we receive from our fantastic volunteers. This year we were also pleased to welcome along members of the Older People’s Forum, a new group which allows older people to have a say about the things that matter to them.
I would like to thank the Majestic Hotel for putting on a wonderful lunch, and to the pupils and teachers from Saltergate for getting involved once again. It truly is the highlight of the festive season for Opening Doors!
Opening Doors is just one of the services provided by the Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP). HELP was launched in 2011, bringing together three services which provide support for older people and those with a disability to remain independent in their own homes. Opening Doors along with Help at Home and Carers Time Off are partly funded by a Big Lottery Fund grant and are supported by an army of volunteers.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the service, or becoming a volunteer, should contact Rachel MacKenzie or Lizzie Hughes on 01423 813095 or help@harrogatecvs.org.uk
