What was our celebration of Older People event?
Celebration of Older People event, designed to honour the contributions of older members of our community while fostering new opportunities for social connection and engagement.
- A central feature was stalls hosted by local organisations, charities, and service providers who work to support older people.
- Incorporate a variety of taster sessions that encourage participation, enjoyment, and personal growth.
What were the aims?
On the day of the event
We welcomed a total of 140 people through the doors at Elland Community Hub as well as 16 local groups and organisations.
- Our morning began with Active Rainbow, who gently eased everyone into the day with uplifting seated exercises.
- Curious motion filled the room with energy, guiding a joyful workshop of contemporary dance and creative movement.
- Calder & Ryburn then invited attendees on a peaceful, scenic walk around Elland — the perfect chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air.
- Back indoors, Project Colt’s Community Voices inspired everyone with a warm and welcoming singing workshop.
- The tempo picked up again as Cindy’s Silver Stompers brought smiles (and plenty of tapping feet!) with their fun line dancing.
- Bankfield Social Club brought a lively Rock ‘n’ Roll dance experience.
- Language For Fun gave everyone a taste of Spanish and French, sparking curiosity and conversation.
- To finish the day, Claire Hughes helped us wind down with calming Chair Yoga and Pilates — the perfect cool-down to a full day of movement and connection.
We were also joined on the day by a number of local organisations and services:
- Overgate Hospice
- Vitaminds
- Memory Lane Cafe
- West Yorkshire Fire Service
- Bluebird Care
- Age UK
- Calderdale Dementia Hub
- Elland Community Hub
Did the day go well?
Yes! The event was a great success. It was very well attended, and patients actively participated in the taster sessions. All feedback we received from patients and local services was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone enjoyed the day, which was full of celebration, learning, and community spirit.
What went well?
Patients shared very positive feedback. They enjoyed the variety of taster sessions and information stalls, with some even attending the full day and participating in every session—an incredible achievement!
The event created a warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere, allowing patients to meet new people, engage with local services, and make valuable connections. Both patients and local groups felt the day was enjoyable, inclusive, and celebratory. Overall, the event was a huge success in bringing our community together and strengthening links between patients and support services.
What patients said
“Really enjoyable afternoon. You can feel nervous joining a new group but it was all very friendly”
“It was super! Very inclusive. I got details of fitness sessions for my sister who is visually impaired too.”
“I enjoyed the whole day of events. Keep doing more days like this.”
“Just to thank others for organising and fellow guests for sharing the time.”
We asked patients what they enjoyed most about the day?
Socialising
- “Community Spirit”
- “Getting to meet new people”
- “Lots of fun socialising.”
- “How friendly and welcoming everyone was.”
- “Meeting people.”
Exercise
- “The dancing.”
- “Easy to follow sessions.”
- “Line dancing.”
- “The variety of activities.”
- “Walking.”
Trying something new
- “Taking part in new things.”
- “Being able to try the sessions.”
- Joining others and sharing activities.”
- “Learning new things.”
Informative
- “Dementia Information.”
- “Lovely chats with stalls.”
- “Stalls were interesting and helpful.”
- “Good information given.”
