Keighley's voluntary sector is vibrant, well-organised and willing to work together to help people from many walks of life.

That's the view of the town's new Voluntary Services coordinator who has come to Keighley after many years 'down south'.

Dr Cait Clarricoates, whose role will be supporting local community groups, has spent the past nine years as a volunteer organiser in Cambridge.

Although born in Knaresborough and educated in the North, she has moved around the country and lived in London and France.

She is of Irish descent and has spent much time living with Irish travellers to research their needs and culture.

Dr Clarricoates' first task in Keighley is assessing exactly what services are being provided around the town for people in need. Many of these are run by Keighley Voluntary Services itself, including the Over 50s Group, Grass Roots gardening, JOIN disabilities group and Furniture Service.

Dr Clarricoates says existing voluntary and community groups are already doing an excellent job.

And she is full of praise for the way the groups work both with each other and organisations such as Bradford council and the NHS.

Dr Clarricoates plans to prepare a directory of local groups and services and build up a network covering issues such as information and training.

She sees her role as providing support, advice and funding information for all local community groups, not only those affiliated to Keighley Voluntary Services.

She says she is as interested in the needs or rural communities around Keighley as neighbourhoods nearer the centre.

She adds: "I'd like for us to have an eclectic approach, recognising there are people right across the age range and ethnic range, and many experiences."

Dr Clarricoates can be contacted at the KVS office on Skipton Road, or by phoning 01535 665258.

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