A COMMUNITY enterprise in Ilkley has launched a campaign - You’re Not Alone This Christmas while Ilkley’s Got Heart - and is appealing for help.

The non-commercial enterprise - Ilkley’s Got Heart - is urging local residents to help those who might be alone at Christmas or struggling with financial and emotional pressures.

A spokesperson said: “Even for the most fortunate of us, this festive time brings what appears to be its own pressures and troubles. Yes, in an affluent place like Ilkley, there are still those out there that will be all alone this Christmas or who may struggle to afford the simplest of Christmas niceties. This time of year can also cause people to suffer from financial and emotional pressures, resulting in anxiety and depression which is still a tough thing to admit.

“It’s a tragedy that this is the case at a time of year that is filled with such joy and goodwill.

“We would like to do something about it, but we need help. Ilkley’s Got Heart would like to change this Christmas for anyone who is alone, vulnerable or struggling. We ask everyone out there to take a moment away from their busy Christmas madness, to stop a while and actually see the people around you, right on your doorstep. The simplest, smallest act of kindness during this festive time, making a person feel valued and wanted, is better than any present you can buy. And together, imagine what a difference we could make this festive season.

“Across Ilkley this Christmas is a host of groups helping to bring the festivities to everyone. The following are just a few of these fabulous volunteer groups you could tell people about:

Ilkley Baptist Church - Christmas Day Lunch from 1pm at the Church. If you are on your own and would like some company or the cost of your own meal is beyond your budget get in touch, there is no cost for the lunch. Call 07475 881733.

Abbeyfield The Dales - Companionship at Christmas supporting those who are isolated in our community. Abbeyfield have a host of festive events across the Christmas period - call 01943 886000 for more details.

Ilkley Good Neighbours are well ahead of the game this year running a Christmas Parcel Project where Good Neighbours volunteers distribute parcels to those who may be not be able to get out over the holiday period.They are also providing a Christmas Dinner to around 80 of Ilkley’s older generation who are lonely or somewhat isolated this Christmas and are taking 60 to the Pantomime. Contact Jessica Jeffery on 01943 603348 or www.goodneighboursilkley.org.uk

The Clarke Foley Centre will be open across the Christmas period for anyone to call in, all will be welcomed. There are a variety of festive events on throughout December including a Christmas Afternoon Tea and Raffle on the 18th December.

The Ilkley Tesco will be generously giving away surplus food on a regular basis over the festive season to those in need. Please ask in store for more details.

“So there we have it, the rest is very much up to you the reader. Do what you can, it will feel great.”

David Shaw MBE added: “We encourage you all to get behind our Ilkley’s Got Heart movement. Our aim is to make Ilkley more engaged with the voluntary and community sector, with local businesses and Councils all working together towards shared goals for the benefit of all in an inclusive town. Our group welcomes discussions and presentations from any Ilkley organisation or business with ideas or indeed concerns to try and make Ilkley both a safer and better place to live for all. Please contact myself on davidshaw@ilkleysgotheart.co.uk or Clive Allen on cliveallen@ikleysgotheart.co.uk for more information.

“Ilkley’s Got Heart would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team. We look forward to bringing you more superb projects in 2020 and beyond.”

Ilkley’s Got Heart is supported by Bradford Council, Ilkley Town Council and Ilkley BID.