The Helpful Bureau

About: 

The Helpful Bureau is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting people to live safely, independently, and happily in their own homes. We work primarily with older adults and individuals living with disabilities across Broxtowe and the surrounding areas.

Our work is delivered through four key service areas:

1. Home Support Services
2. Volunteer Transport Scheme
3. Befriending Support
4. Social and Community Activities

Home Support Services
We offer a range of support, including a handyman service to assist with small DIY tasks. Our Home Support team also provides help with day-to-day domestic tasks such as light cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, and wellbeing checks, offering reassurance and practical help to those living alone or with limited mobility.

Transport Scheme
Our wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) enables clients to attend essential appointments, go shopping, or participate in social activities. In addition to our WAV, we have a team of volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to ensure our clients stay connected to their communities through reliable, door-to-door transport. We also offer local day trips on our minibus, or for longer journeys we hire a coach.

Befriending and Reconnect
Loneliness and isolation are real challenges for many of our clients. Our befriending scheme matches volunteers with older people for regular visits and phone calls. Volunteers can also accompany individuals on outings to help rebuild confidence and support social engagement. We host our fortnightly Reconnect Coffee Mornings, providing a friendly and welcoming space to boost social interaction and community connection.

Resource Centre and Social Events
Our weekly Resource Centre offers movement-to-music classes, access to information and advice, a freshly cooked two-course lunch, and a variety of activities to promote wellbeing. We also run regular groups, including games afternoons and Wellbeing Wednesdays, a craft-based social sessions that support creativity and connection.

Additional Services
We also host a regular foot care clinic at our offices and signpost clients to other local services and organisations when their needs extend beyond our remit.

We are proud to offer a holistic, community-based approach to care and support, empowering people to stay active, independent, and socially connected.