A Salford community group are hosting multiple events to help battle and combat elderly loneliness.
The group, Beautiful Minds, is in Salford and Greater Manchester and offer a range of activities including coffee mornings, walking clubs, dancing sessions, and chair-based exercise classes.
The events are designed to connect older people, encourage physical activity, and promote a sense of belonging.
The group was set up by Opeyemi Ojo, organiser and operations manager of The Beautiful Minds, starting the group after losing her dad in 2018 due to health issues and seeing her mum struggle with finding a sense of community.
She said: “I promised myself that every age of elderly person that I came across I would help in any way possible.
“Especially in Salford, I don’t see many groups for the elderly that help them to get out, chat and join in activities that also benefit their physical and mental health.”
The rise of elderly loneliness in the UK has become an increasing issue, as reported by Age UK, 2024: Over half a million of those who’ve been lonely claim it stops them going out and about in everyday life.
The rise of elderly loneliness in the UK has become an increasing issue, as reported by Age UK, 2024: Over half a million of those who’ve been lonely claim it stops them going out and about in everyday life.
To combat this the group meet up every other Saturday, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Weaste and Seedley Society Club and also do regular events in Greater Manchester at the Simpson Memorial Hall.
Opeyemi said: “It gives members social interaction that they otherwise wouldn’t get and a sense of purpose by going to these regular meet ups.”
Residents around Salford can support The Beautiful Minds community group here, and help with the aim of combating elderly loneliness – you can find out more information here.
Elderly by Isabel Wright
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