A SMALL Castlederg-based charity with a big heart is making a meaningful difference in care homes across Northern Ireland. Founded in 2024, Harry’s Help is transforming everyday life for residents by funding activities that spark joy, creativity and connection.
The charity was established in memory of Harry Arbuthnot, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the age of 66. He sadly passed away in February 2023. During his time living in three care homes, his family witnessed first-hand the powerful impact that engaging, stimulating activities can have on residents’ well-being. Inspired by that experience,his daughters, Margaret Arbuthnot, Amy Horner and Gill Gaston created Harry’s Help to ensure more people could benefit from those same moments of happiness.
Since its launch, the charity has gone from strength to strength. In just over a year, Harry’s Help has raised more than £25,000, enabling it to award 123 grants to 97 care homes throughout Northern Ireland.
These grants – typically up to £250 – have funded a wide range of initiatives, from craft supplies and baking equipment to day trips, family fun days, and even visits from mobile petting farms.
“As his family, we saw firsthand the many benefits of meaningful and stimulating activities and the charity seeks to increase the availability of such activities for Care Home residents throughout the province,” said Castlederg-based GP, Gill.
Other projects have included the installation of fish tanks in communal areas, the creation of cinema rooms and sensory pods, and the building of greenhouses where residents can grow their own fruit and vegetables. Each grant is designed to bring residents together, encourage interaction, and create moments of enjoyment that might otherwise be out of reach.
The process is simple but effective: care homes apply for funding, and once approved, staff organise activities tailored to their residents’ interests and needs. The result is a ripple effect of positivity felt not only by residents, but also by families and care staff.
Looking ahead, the charity is planning an exciting summer initiative known as the ‘Grant-Giving Gallivant’. The trustees will travel around the perimeter of Northern Ireland, stopping at four care homes to surprise them with grants and hampers filled with craft supplies and sensory equipment. The journey aims to raise awareness of the importance of meaningful activities in care settings while spreading joy along the way.
Harry’s Help continues to rely entirely on public support to carry out its work. From individual donations to community-led fundraisers like coffee mornings and sponsored walks, every contribution helps ensure that care home residents are not forgotten.
With its uplifting mission – Enhancing the lives of Northern Ireland’s Care Home residents – Harry’s Help is proving that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
If anyone feels able to support this endeavour, the sisters would be very grateful for donations on their JustGiving page (https://checkout.justgiving.com/pdnxcd55hk),. They also have suggested items available to purchase for the hampers on their Amazon Wishlist.
They accept applications from Care Homes on a quarterly basis, with the next round opening on May 1. Their online application form can be accessed via their website (www.harryshelp.org). Up to date information is also readily available on their Facebook (Harry’s Help) and Instagram (@harrys.help) pages. You can also contact the charity via admin@harryshelp.org