A Salford community group is hosting multiple events to help battle and combat elderly loneliness.
The group, Beautiful Minds, offers 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.
Organiser and operation manager Opeyemi Ojo set up the group after her father died in 2018 and she saw her mum struggle to find 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. In 2024, more than half a million of those who have been lonely claimed it stops them going out and about in everyday life.
To combat this the group meets every other Saturday, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Weaste and Seedley Social Club and also runs 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
Recent Comments