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Harrogate care home donates £1,000 to charity battling loneliness

Wednesday, 8 April 2026 14:21

Hampden House have donated £1,000 to Supporting Older People (SOP).

A Harrogate care home has donated £1,000 to a local charity supporting older people at risk of loneliness and isolation across the region.

Hampden House, part of not-for-profit social care provider HICA Group, made the donation to Supporting Older People (SOP), a Harrogate and Knaresborough-based charity which provides befriending services, social activities and community support for older residents.

The charity supports more than 300 older people at any one time through a mix of volunteer-led services and small-group activities designed to build connections and reduce isolation.

Laura Newall, Home Manager at Hampden House, said:

“We see every day how important connection and companionship are for older people.

"Working with a local charity like Supporting Older People felt like a natural fit for us, as their work complements what we do within the home and extends that support into the wider community.

"We wanted to back an organisation that is making a clear difference locally, particularly for people who may be living alone and at risk of becoming isolated.”

The donation will contribute towards the charity’s ongoing work across Harrogate and surrounding areas, including its befriending service and regular social groups.

Julia Lightfoot, Befriending Manager at Supporting Older People, said:

“Support from local organisations like Hampden House plays an important role in helping us continue and expand our services.

"Demand for support remains high, and contributions like this allow us to reach more older people who may otherwise feel isolated.

"Our befriending service in particular relies on sustained funding and volunteer support, so partnerships with local care providers are vital in helping us respond to need across the area.”

Supporting Older People has been working in the Harrogate and Knaresborough district for more than 40 years, providing services aimed at reducing loneliness and helping older people remain connected to their communities.

For more information visit: https://supportingolderpeople.org.uk/

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