Our History

1996~ Friend to Friend began in Holmfirth with just 12 members, before a gradual influx of new members from the Meltham area led to the initiation of a new Meltham group in 1997.  Today there are around 150 members of the charity, many of whom attend more than one of our groups.  Friend to Friend’s success is thanks to our 50 or so wonderful volunteers who run groups in Meltham and Holmfirth.

Spring 2016~ founding member Shirley decided to retire after over 20 years of voluntary work for Friend to Friend. Her retirement party was attended by many friends, with speeches by trustee Joan and MP Jason McCartney, to thank her for her tireless dedication to the charity.

 

6th May 2016 ~Friend to Friend celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a huge party for members, volunteers, trustees and supporters at Meltham Sports and Community Centre. A cheque was presented from Sainsburys for £5,500 from their ‘Charity of the Year’ sponsorship.

16th March 2017~ During an evening hosted by the charity’s trustees to thank our volunteers, founders Shirley Simmons and Sheila Sinclair were announced as Patrons of Friend to Friend. A new logo was also launched, changing from our original “f to f” blue logo to this new one, designed by a young London graphic designer, to better represent our valleys’ colours and the theme of friendship (extended hands and the circle shape).

March 2020 to Summer 2021~ The Coronavirus Pandemic caused all our group sessions to pause, as the UK and most of the rest of the world went into Lockdown. Our fabulous volunteers kept in touch with many members by phone, window and garden visits when allowed, many also helping with shopping and pharmacy deliveries. What a relief when our groups could finally begin to get back together!

 

Post-Covid ~ once vaccines were offered and the immediate danger of Covid passed, our groups were able to restart. While many people were raring to come back together, there were understandable changes to some people’s health, attitudes and priorities, meaning that some of our volunteers and members did not return. We have therefore sadly seen the closure of our Marsden, Honley and Netherton groups. Our Meltham and Holmfirth groups have, in contrast, seen an increase in numbers, so our next problem will be finding someone new to lead our hugely successful Meltham monthly meal group, when our fabulous Jenny steps down after many years of loyal service and a very significant upcoming birthday!