What we do
We provide a range of social groups where people can get together, such as a film club, walks in local parks, exercise classes, day trips, and the weekly lunch club. We also offer support services such as help with digital technology, telephones, and in-person befriending services. Our charity is very much formed by the people who benefit from it, with suggestions for groups and services welcome and feedback encouraged. If you have an idea that you would like to try or a skill to offer, please do have a word with the staff or trustees and we will see if we can make it happen!
Our Members
We have over 230 members from the Withington community and surrounding locality. There is no cost to becoming a member, it is just a simple form. Many members visit more than once a week. People hear about our services through a variety of ways, whether referred by a social worker or health care professional or finding us through word of mouth. The majority of our members are over 65, and either live alone, are bereaved, are living with illness, reduced mobility, issues with mental/physical health, reduced social networks or living with someone that they care for. Most fit into more than one of these categories. Whether age 65 or 99, everyone has something to offer, and it is our members who keep the charity going, looking out for one another and bringing humour, kindness and warmth.
The Trustees
Assist relies on the time given freely by the trustees to ensure that the charity is properly managed. We have a small and dedicated team and welcome interest from others who want to get involved in governance activities. Please get in touch via withingtonassist@gmail.com.
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Chair: Barbara Aston (right)
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Treasurer: Vicky Wharmby
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Secretary: Sarala Gunawardena
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Jacqueline Kirkby
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Pip Cotterill
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Gavin White
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Meena Shah
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David Lamb
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Emma Horridge
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Gemma Glennon
Withington Assist: A Charity for Older People Living Locally. Supporting people to live full, active and independant lives.
Our Staff
How we raise money and what we do with it
We rely on public and private donations with a percentage of our core running costs covered by Manchester city council (via the Supporting Communities Fund). We also receive grant funding from a number of sponsors including the National Lottery, The Coop community Fund, Forever Manchester, In Our Nature, Neighbourhood Investment Fund and the Nisa community fund. A good percentage of our income comes from donations received from our members for our activities, and we rely on the generosity of our community. All of the money we receive is spent upon our charitable aims whether that is buying food for the lunch club, employing our coordinator or applying for volunteer DBS checks. We
are registered with the charity commission, with our accounts audited by an external accountant each year.
Our Volunteers
We cannot run our services without the valued help of our volunteers. We currently have over 50 volunteers, with people of all ages and backgrounds supporting us in providing a range of services. From serving lunches, providing digital support, driving or introducing something new, we are always so grateful for the time, skills and experience that volunteers have to offer. The difference made is so valuable to people's lives, and is a great way to meet new people and spend an hour or two a week doing something different.
if you are interested, please have a look at our volunteers page to find out more.
We currently have four part time members of staff. Amelia King (Coordinator), Jamila Naseem (Admin and Activities Worker, as well as Advice Worker), Mark Thomas (Outreach Worker), and Debbie McGowan (our Tuesday Lunch Cook). We also have our positive living coach, Debra, and exercise instructor, Ruby, as long-standing members of our team.
Policies and Safeguarding
We have a number of comprehensive policies and procedures that govern our work and keep us safe. A full list is available from the office–do ask if you would like to see them or if you have any concerns. If you feel you need to make a complaint, please see our complaints policy.
