Chair of Horsham District Council: Pulborough’s quiet powerhouse - a community looking after its own

In her regular column, Joanne Knowles, Chair of Horsham District Council, takes us behind the scenes of community life - sharing stories from across our District, shining a light on the people, places and projects that make our community thrive and celebrating the spirit of our District.

Ask around Pulborough and you’ll find that most people know someone who has been helped by the Pulborough and District Community Care Association (PDCCA). Perhaps it was a lift to a hospital appointment, a friendly face at the door, a free bag of groceries, or a Wednesday lunch shared with neighbours. For decades the charity has worked behind the scenes to make village life warmer, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Neighbours helping neighbours

The Association’s idea is simple: when people give a little time, a great deal of good follows. Many of its services support older people in Pulborough and the surrounding villages, but the charity’s reach is wider than that, with something for new parents, for anyone who hates food waste and for anyone who fancies a good chat.

The community transport scheme gets people to medical appointments, shops and social events who might otherwise struggle to leave home. 

Then there’s the befriending and visiting service. Volunteers call in for a cuppa and a chat, and for many people living alone that visit is the highlight of the week.

Babies, bags of groceries and a hot Wednesday lunch

Every Wednesday morning the weekly Pop-In Club at the library welcomes parents and carers of babies. Looking after a new arrival can be tiring and isolating, and a friendly, relaxed space to swap stories, share tips and meet others in the same boat is a real lifeline.

The Pulborough Pantry is open to everyone, not just older residents. It takes surplus food from local supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste and offers it free to anyone who would like it. It’s a practical answer to rising living costs, and it keeps good food out of the bin.

Also on Wednesdays, the lunch and social club at the village hall is a firm favourite. It’s about good company as much as good food, with old friendships kept up and new ones made over a lunch and activities. 

The volunteers who make it happen

At the heart of it all are the volunteers. They include drivers, visitors, lunch club helpers and organisers, and they run the services they care about under the PDCCA umbrella. That means no duplicated finances or paperwork, and more energy for the people who need help.That also means every pound they raise goes straight back into services and the village events they organise.

Like any charity the Association is always glad to hear from new people. You don’t need special skills to volunteer. Training is provided where needed, and you can offer as much or as little time as suits you. Whether you can drive, chat, cook, sort food or lend an organising hand, there’s likely a role for you.

How you can get involved

If you or a relative could benefit from any of the services, don’t wait for a crisis, get in touch and ask what’s available. All the opening times and contacts are on their website www.pdcca.org.uk.