The Horbury Senior Citizens Support Group has operated in Horbury for 10 years providing a social centre and support activities for the senior citizens of Horbury and District. It is a Charitable Trust in its own right and Alan Hudders has been and Trustee for 5 years and Chairman for 2 years. The Covid-19 crisis and restrictions instantly curtailed the normal activities of the group but Chairman Alan and the Trustees were very quick to respond to the changed circumstances and the need for the co-ordination of efforts to support the older members of the community. Working with the active support of WMDC and NOVA, they quickly established what they have christened a community hub providing a 24 hour helpline; recruiting 75 volunteer helpers; and offering support to the vulnerable in the form of a shopping and delivery service; prescription collection and deliveries; meal deliveries; and telephone befrienders to call and hold conversations with people who would be otherwise totally isolated. The volunteers are from a wide range of backgrounds with a varied skill set and the hub operates on the maxim of meeting individual needs. Alan is quick to point out that it is a team effort that has made the Horbury Hub very effective, but others recognise that his commitment and determination is what holds it together and ensures that the vulnerable people of the area are supported.
Alans involvement with the local Rotary Club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix has also proved useful with a member assisting in setting up systems by which shopping can be paid for at the time of purchase. All local shops, supermarkets, cafes and caterers have been very supportive in meeting the needs of the community and there is an excellent relationship established with Marie Moore who runs the Resource Food Bank based at South Ossett Church Community Centre. Other members of the club have been helping with deliveries.
The Helpline for the Hub is 01924 565859 and it is manned from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an answering machine operating outside those hours. The Hub provides support for the whole of Horbury, most of Sitlington, South Ossett and parts of Lupset.
Picture: Alan Hudders receiving a trolley full of supplies donated by Morrisons Supermarket Community Champion Bev Kelly at the Dewsbury Road store.
