Ruby celebrations at the busy Bureau

Glossop community wellbeing charity The Bureau marked its 40th birthday with a party to celebrate the hard work of hundreds of people.

All of them have been instrumental to the success of the organisation over four decades.

Held at Glossop Cricket Club, it also included the AGM and an opportunity to look to the future.

This included the launch of The Bureau’s new three-year strategic plan, detailing its commitment to help and support the Glossopdale community for years to come. 

The celebrations began with a performance from the Zephyr Choir, a group for people living with ‘long term conditions’, which started off life at The Bureau, run by Jo Griffiths.

Founded as Glossop Volunteer Bureau in 1979 to establish much-needed services for people across Glossopdale, The Bureau has grown and expanded over the years.

It now covers a wide range of new projects, sessions and services including the volunteer car scheme, Community Navigation, community transport, Building Better Opportunities Towards Work, Call Companions, Befriending, Time Out sessions, and many more.

With the help and commitment of its army of volunteers and a range of partner organisations, the charity now supports more than 1,400 people every year who are struggling with issues such as loneliness and isolation, physical and mental health conditions, disabilities, and barriers to employment.

The last year has been busy and successful, with the move to new premises on Henry Street enabling The Bureau to further develop and become a thriving part of Glossop’s everyday community. 

The number of volunteers has grown to more than 250, with 10,600 hours of volunteering time generously gifted over the year - totalling an equivalent of £83,000 at the rate of the national living wage.

The car scheme has enabled attendance at over 1,200 GP and hospital appointments, as well as enabling around 30 people to stay living in their own homes through being able to access primary care, rather than having to be admitted to hospital. 

In partnership with High Peak CVS, The Bureau has also delivered £35,000 in grants to support 11 new community projects, providing essential support in bereavement, mental health, dementia and COPD. 

Celebrations: The Bureau's 40th birthday cake

Chief Officer Sophie Glinka said: “This is a landmark year for the organisation to have this level of stability and we are really proud of where we are and what we are achieving. 

“With our move to Henry Street and our services on the ground we have been much more visible in the central and surrounding areas of Glossop - we are currently working hard to be more present in Gamesley, Whitfield and Hadfield.”

Despite several moves of premises over the years, and considerable expansion of the support and services offered, The Bureau remains committed to the same mission. 

Chairman of the first ever Bureau committee, Alan Garlick, said: “Our first Mission Statement was remarkably similar to the one I read at the event.

“It brought back so many memories of those early years, when I met so many good, kind people in a town full of generous spirit. 

“It is good to know The Bureau is alive and well, and I wish them many more happy birthdays.”

The Strategic Plan details plans and priorities which includes the commitment to support community wellbeing and activity throughout Glossopdale.

It will ensure local people are heard and supported to connect with and make a difference in their community. 

It also includes identifying ‘unmet needs in the community’ through listening to local people, supporting the vital work of other local community organisations and investing in the future of the organisation to ensure that it can continue to support the Glossopdale community for years to come.

If you are interested in helping The Bureau to continue the amazing charity work it does for another 40 years (and beyond), there are lots of way to get involved or donate.

To make a one-off or monthly donation to The Bureau, or if you are interested in a more hands-on role, there are lots of volunteering opportunities to suit a variety of skills and interests.

Maybe you’d like to be a volunteer car companion taking someone to a hospital appointment, or, if you like to chat you could be a call companion, befriender or mentor. 

If you would like any more information, contact them on 01457 865722, email info@the-bureau.org.uk or pop in to see them on Henry Street.

Main image:

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: First Chair Alan Garlick cuts the Bureau’s birthday cake.