Day to Dave | Home Help for older people in Kendal

News | Monday 7 November 2016 - Day to Dave Press

News | Updated March 2021

A Kendal business owner will be doing his bit to help older people in the town stay warm this winter, with a free handy addition to the assistance service he currently provides in the local community.

After working for over 20 years in community focused roles across the sport, leisure and charity sector in the South Lakes, Dave decided to use his experience and skills to set up a new business and see if he could turn his exciting idea into reality:

“I spotted a need for an affordable service that focuses on adding assistance, energy and companionship to day to day activities, for those who like to be independent but might just need a little helping hand.

Often relatives and friends might not be able to help out as much as they would like and I am able to fill that gap and assist with shopping, gardening, DIY, trips out, appointments, companionship and much more.

I am very proud that Day to Dave has been so well received in the community and I would like to thank all my clients for their support – I can’t wait to meet and help out even more local people over the next year!”

Find out more about Dave by taking a look at his services and simply email or call him on 01539 727868

A Kendal business owner who set up his own unique service to help older people in the South Lakes in 2016 is celebrating five successful years of being a valued part of the local community.

Why might you choose the Day to Dave service?

An extra special 5th Birthday surprise from Beetham Nurseries!

Birthday celebrations for Day to Dave

"Dave, I don't know if you're the right person to ask but..."

News | Sunday 22 May 2016

Help is on hand this winter...

A Kendal business owner who set up his own unique service to help older people in the South Lakes is celebrating a successful first year.

News | Tuesday 20 April 2021 | Day to Dave Press

News | Sunday 22 April 2017 - Day to Dave Press

Jessica Firth, Marketing Manager, Beetham Nurseries with Dave Crossley, Founder of Day to Dave

Day to Dave celebrates 5 years!

Day to Dave - at your service
Discover my top 3 requests this month...

Over the last few months it has been a fantastic experience to meet local people from Kendal and beyond and help them with many different aspects of their daily life. I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to bring something new and different to the community, so far the response to 'Day to Dave' has been great, so thanks very much!

I thought it would be useful to start off my 'News' section here on the website with a look at the top 3 types of activities and services which I have been enjoying with my new clients this month. For those of you that might have considered some help or assistance but perhaps aren't sure the best services for yourself, a relative or friend - it might hopefully give you some new ideas to think about:

1. The weekly shop tops the list
Shopping is much easier when you have a little bit of help on hand...
This month I have had plenty trips to the supermarket, from Aldi to Marks and Spencers and everything in between - one of the best bits about taking my clients shopping is that they have the chance to visit somewhere different. Out of town supermarkets like Aldi are harder to reach on public transport but easy in the car and it's always good to be able try something new, if you want the option.

An obvious advantage of having the car is that I can also do all the lifting, packing and unpacking of a bigger shop and my clients can just relax whilst I put the shopping away at home, even better!

2. Morning or afternoon?
I have definitely found my 3 hour morning and afternoon sessions to be the most popular booking. Not only is it more cost effective at £38 but it also gives me plenty of time to spend with my client, I can fit in weekly jobs like the shopping, tidying and errands if required or we can take a little trip out and still have time for a cup of tea back at home.

Companionship is a really important part of Day to Dave and one of the main reasons I set up my service, I want to reduce loneliness for older people in our community and it can often be something that is overlooked or forgotten. Having the morning or afternoon together can make a real difference to my client's day or even their week and I really look forward to being able to help them during this time, whether that is through assistance or just by enjoying each other's company.

3. A spot of gardening
With the promise of some summer weather on the way, I have had plenty of gardening to keep me busy this month!

I have got stuck in tidying quite a few gardens, lawn cutting, planting and just generally keeping on top of garden maintenance for my clients. In fact, it is great when we are able to go out in the garden together and talk about different areas for improvement or just spend a bit of time moving things around and making the most of the nicer days whilst it lasts - it also means that my client has somewhere nice, tidy and colourful to look at too.

Alongside my 'top 3' activities, I have been lucky enough to go on a few trips, including the Heritage Museum at Carnforth Railway Station and I hope to plan in a few more local itineraries for my clients to enjoy. As well as helping with jobs it is also a great opportunity to spend time together on activities and hobbies, from football to swimming, putting, bowls, dominoes - whatever the interest, it's good to share it.

If you would like to find out any more information about my services or to arrange a time for me to come and see you to discuss options, just let me know. Call me on Kendal (01539) 727868 or use my quick form below and I can call you back. I look forward to hearing from you.

That's all for now.

Dave Crossley, 38, who runs ‘Day to Dave’, has helped over 100 older people in Kendal and beyond during the first 12 months of running the new service; with many now enjoying the benefit of weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions; boosting their overall independence and well-being.

One of Dave’s first clients, Eileen Stanning (pictured right), contacted Dave to see if he would be able to help out with jobs in the home and gardening and is delighted that the new service has been so popular. Mrs Stanning said:

“Dave is so helpful and tries his hand at most things in and around the home, he also takes me to and from the doctors or hospital and helps me out with the shopping. Dave’s service makes a real difference and he deserves success!”

"Dave is always there if I need him, he's good to talk to and on hand to help with shopping and other daily jobs. It's good to have him around!"
Clive, Kendal

Dave Crossley, who runs ‘Day to Dave’, has helped over 200 local older people over the last five years, with many now enjoying the benefit of weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions - boosting their overall independence and well-being.

Dave saw a gap in the services offered for local older people and felt that some just needed a little helping hand in their daily lives. Often Dave takes care of the weekly jobs, appointments and errands with his clients - giving them more independence during the week, meaning that when family come to visit at the weekends they can just focus on spending that all important quality time together.

Since the service began in 2016, Dave has done over 7,500 hours of sessions, ranging from helping people with the weekly shop to jobs around the home, gardening, trips out and about, appointment visits, companionship and support with technology. All his visits are personalised and tailored to suit each client, making sure they really enjoy and benefit from the time they spend together.

Now in 2021, the service continues to go from strength to strength and Dave can look forward to growing the business even further in the future.

Day to Dave | Home help for older people in Kendal call me on 01539 727868 email hello@daytodave.co.uk Kendal, United Kingdom

Originally Dave had hoped to celebrate the birthday with his clients and their friends and family by hosting an event to mark the five year milestone but unfortunately restrictions meant that would be unlikely to happen this year.

Luckily for Dave he received a birthday surprise from the team at Beetham Nurseries, a £50 gift card to spend in the café, giving him the chance to treat some of his clients to a coffee and cake next time they visit!

Dave said:“I am really proud that Day to Dave is celebrating 5 years, the time has flown by and I have met some fantastic people and I thoroughly enjoy being a part of their lives. No two days are the same really and it is very rewarding to know that people look forward to my visits. It is so kind of Beetham Nurseries to donate this present, it's certainly one of my client’s favourite places to visit locally. Over the last year we haven’t be able to go on any trips so it will be even more special when we can add a cup of tea or coffee to our visit next time!”

Jessica Firth, Marketing Manager at Beetham Nurseries said:
“It is lovely to hear that Dave and his clients really enjoy their visits to Beetham Nurseries and we can’t wait to welcome them back soon. Day to Dave offers a valuable service to our local community and we wanted to wish him a happy 5th birthday with a little celebration that his clients can be part of too! Well done Dave.”

To find out more about the local services offered by Dave and his team simply contact him through the website or call 01539 727868

My mum could do with a bit of help with the weekly shopping, she struggles on the bus and can't really carry what she needs.
Accepting that dad might need extra help is difficult for him as he has always had mum, now she has passed away he is lonely but reluctant to the idea of support - can you help?
I am a full time carer for my husband and find it very difficult to leave the house to do jobs and errands without rushing back, but I don't like him being alone for too long.
My mum loves a good chat but we don't have much family close by except me and I work full time. I think combining daily jobs with companionship and a friendly face every week might be just what she needs...
I live away from my elderly parent and I would like them to have some help, not really a carer, just someone to assist with cleaning, tidying and a few odd jobs around the house or in the garden.
I think my dad would really enjoy doing a few of his old hobbies, swimming, bowls, golf or just a social trip.
I'm 82 and active for my age but my family tell me I need to take more care and have help with my garden as it is getting too much for me, especially in the summer.
I want to 'get connected' - my elderly friends say an i-pad or Kindle would be good but I don't know where to start.

...here's just a few of the many enquiries I have received since starting Day to Dave in 2016 and the answer is YES to all of these and many more!

It has been brilliant getting out and about, meeting people in Kendal and beyond to find out how I can help. For me, my service is all about flexibility and how I can provide assistance, energy and companionship - making a difference to the day to day lives of my clients.

If you think you need a bit of extra help or are looking on behalf of your parents, relatives or friends feel free to give me a call on Kendal (01539) 727868.

I normally arrange to pop along for a quick chat so that we can meet in person before you make your first booking which is a great chance to get to know each other a little bit more and discuss how I can fit into your diary.

Look forward to meeting some of you soon!

From November, Dave Crossley, 38, who runs ‘Day to Dave’, will be giving his regular clients free hand warmers to use in their homes or out and about. Each pair provides up to 30 minutes of heat and can be re-used all winter offering a crucial bit of extra warmth when needed. During the winter months, as temperatures begin to drop, many older people may find it difficult to stay warm throughout the day and night. They can become more susceptible to illness such as flu and also raised blood pressure due to the low temperatures.

Dave hopes that giving his clients the novel product will raise awareness about the importance of staying warm this winter and encourage others to do their bit to help a relative, neighbour or friend, he said:

“Meeting local older people through my business every day puts me in a great position to improve their preparations for the colder weather. It is really important to check that they are following some of the basic tips to prepare their homes for winter, for example keeping the main living room around 70°F (21°C), and the rest of the home heated to at least 64°F (18°C).

Keeping the hands and face warm helps to maintain blood pressure levels which is one of the reasons the hand warmers really appealed to me as they are quick and easy to use and I’m sure many of my clients will soon be using them for ‘a little boost of warmth’. I can’t wait to see them in action! The winter months can also be difficult with poor weather conditions and many older people are fearful of venturing out alone and become more isolated. Helping with shopping and perhaps stocking up the cupboard with extra supplies can be very useful whilst also maintaining that much needed trip out during the day. Winter nights can feel very long if you have had no visitors all day.”

One of Dave’s clients, Jane Proctor, first contacted him in May to see if he would be able to visit her elderly parents in Levens and is delighted that a new service like this is now providing much needed assistance over the winter:

“Knowing mum can call on Dave for help and support gives me peace of mind too. So far Dave has helped with DIY, appointment travel, trips to the village and has been good company during his sessions, even helping her get to grips with a new i-pad! I think it’s great that alongside his usual service Dave will be offering tips on how people like mum can keep warm and feel less worried about the winter ahead.”

Day to Dave, which launched in April 2016 offers assistance to people in South Lakeland with everything from the weekly shop, to gardening, DIY, swimming, travel and companionship. Since the new start-up venture, Dave has been able to help over 70 local people, with many now seeing the benefit of weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions; boosting their overall independence and well-being as a result. To find out more about Day to Dave simply call 01539 727868 or complete the online contact form.

Extra winter resources you might just find useful: