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Knaresborough puzzle campaign aims to tackle loneliness

Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 12:08

Greg Kubas, community development librarian, Maria, library supervisor, Jamie Nicholson-Ruther, development and communications manager at Harrogate Neighbours.

People in Knaresborough are being asked to donate unwanted puzzles and games to help tackle loneliness among older residents.

Harrogate Neighbours and Knaresborough Library have joined forces to launch the Puzzles for Pensioners campaign.

Funded by Knaresborough Rotary Club, the initiative aims to provide companionship, conversation and mental stimulation to older people who may be socially isolated.

Donations of complete adult jigsaw puzzles, books, crosswords and games can be dropped off at Knaresborough Library from Friday 4th September.

They will be offered to people who join the scheme and residents receiving Harrogate Neighbours’ Meals on Wheels service in Knaresborough.

Jamie Nicholson-Ruther, Development and Communications Manager at Harrogate Neighbours, will also visit participants throughout September to complete puzzles and spend time with them.

He said:

“For many of the people we visit, a friendly chat can be just as valuable as the meal itself.

“A puzzle gives us something to enjoy together, sparks conversation and creates a real sense of achievement when it’s finished. It’s amazing how something so simple can brighten someone’s week.

“We’re hoping local people will have a look in their cupboards and donate any puzzles they’re no longer using.

“They might be gathering dust in someone’s loft, but they could make a huge difference to somebody who spends much of their day alone.”

North Yorkshire Council’s Executive Member for Libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, said:

“Libraries have always been about bringing communities together, and we’re delighted to become a collection point for puzzle donations.

“Loneliness isn’t always visible. Many older people can go days, or even weeks, without meaningful conversation, and that’s something we want to help change.

“This initiative is about much more than puzzles. It’s about creating moments of connection, bringing joy into someone’s week and helping people continue living independently in their own homes for longer.”

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