Ideas to keep social life thriving

There's no excuse to stay indoors this summer, as the Staying Well project in the upper Calder Valley has a whole range of events planned.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Aug 2016, 09:00 BST

The initiative is designed to reduce loneliness and isolation in Calderdale.

Did you know that people who have an active social life are generally happier and healthier? So now summer is here, why not try out some new activities. There are all kinds available, including Singalong with Jon, Tea and IT, lunch clubs and many more.

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Singalong with Jon takes place every Wednesday lunchtime from 1pm to 2.30pm at Hebden Bridge Town Hall and costs £5 per session.

Staying Well Tea and IT at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Tutor Steve Matthews.Staying Well Tea and IT at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Tutor Steve Matthews.
Staying Well Tea and IT at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Tutor Steve Matthews.

The group has been running for a year now and regular attender Lucy Preston says: “Come once and you’ll want to come every week. It’s brilliant, I’m so pleased I gave it a go.”

Songbooks and a friendly welcome are provided.

Stoodley Training Mentors run beginner sessions for IT Training. It can help you get online, use Skype, order shopping, send photos and emails on computers, tablets or smart phones.

Tea and IT classes run on Mondays from 10am until 12pm at Hebden Royd Methodist Church, Tuesdays 10-11am at Hebden Bridge Town Hall and Thursdays 10am-12pm at the Kava Café, Todmorden. These session cost £7 per hour, or £5.50 if you are over 60.

Staying Well Tea and IT at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Volunteer Mike Cooper with Barbara Hesketh.Staying Well Tea and IT at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Volunteer Mike Cooper with Barbara Hesketh.
Staying Well Tea and IT at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Volunteer Mike Cooper with Barbara Hesketh.
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Sheila MacFarlane, who had never used a computer before going to these classes said: “I learned how to Skype and it has improved contact with my family as I have recently become a grandmother and I was able to see the baby on Skype which was a very special moment.”

If a relaxing lunch in good company is more your style how about trying a local lunch club?

Wadsworth Community Centre has a weekly lunch club on Wednesdays, from 12pm until 1.30pm. This costs £3 for a two course home-cooked meal. The lunch club has run for more than 30 years and new people and volunteers are always welcome.

Luddendenfoot Community Association also run a lunch club on the first and third Friday of the month from 12pm until 2pm at the Luddendenfoot Civic Institute. The next one will be on Friday, August 19.

Staying Well Lunch at the Shoulder Of Mutton, Mytholmroyd. Cheers from Ken Collins.Staying Well Lunch at the Shoulder Of Mutton, Mytholmroyd. Cheers from Ken Collins.
Staying Well Lunch at the Shoulder Of Mutton, Mytholmroyd. Cheers from Ken Collins.
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In addition to the lunch club, a social club also meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 2pm until 4pm, and a monthly cinema club which meets on the last Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm. The next one is on August 25. There is a small charge between £2 and £4 depending on the activity

Call 01422 392707 or email [email protected] for more information about any of the events or activities.

Related topics:IdeasCalder ValleyCalderdaleTea