A project that helps elderly people living alone to return home after a spell in Airedale Hospital has been safeguarded.

The Home from Hospital scheme, run by the Carers’ Resource charity, has won sponsorship from Skipton-based Comply Direct after a lack of funding had put the initiative at risk.

But the charity warns that without similar support from others, the long-term existence of the project could be in jeopardy.

The venture aims to make people’s transition back home following discharge from hospital as smooth as possible.

It helps with everything from benefits guidance and restarting home care to ensuring houses are safe and that gas, electric and water supplies are in working order. To welcome them home, patients receive a hamper of food basics and assistance from a volunteer with completing a simple safety checklist.

Carers’ Resource head of development, Anna Jackson, said: “Going home from hospital can be both an exciting and a daunting prospect for some elderly people who live alone.

“This scheme means nobody will have to arrive home to a cold, dark empty house on their own.

“We are grateful for Comply Direct’s financial support in giving the project a new lease of life. But we need others in the community to follow their lead if the scheme is to survive and flourish in the long-term.

“It is a very popular initiative and it would leave a big gap in our elderly community if it wasn’t there.

“We stay in contact with people for six weeks following their discharge from hospital and help them stay safe and well.”

Gareth Roberts, managing director of Comply Direct, said: “Comply Direct is a local company and we wanted to help a charity whose roots are also in this community and whose work makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

Anyone interested in helping the scheme, with sponsorship or as a volunteer, should contact the Carers’ Resource on (01756) 693666.