“These sessions are a fantastic way to tackle social isolation” – Salford Council helps overcome loneliness this winter

Older people in Eccles are being invited to meet weekly for a morning of board games, a warm healthy meal, and a chance to meet other people in the community. 

The aim of the ‘healthy hub’ is to help with social isolation within the older generation this winter.

Penny Meek, who runs the weekly session at Eccles’ Holy Cross hall, spoke of how the ‘healthy hub’ really helps the people who attend. 

She said: “Every Tuesday morning we have residents from all across Eccles, they come to sessions and get a free hot drink, they play board games, do a little bit of arts and crafts as well as receiving a free hot meal that we make here.

“It’s all for free and open to anyone who wants to come down and make some new friends.

“As well as our weekly ‘healthy hub’ session Salford Council’s Health Improvement Team runs multiple sessions throughout the week. 

“On a Wednesday we do a wellness walk, which allows our attendees to stretch their legs as well as giving them a chance to chat to other people. 

“This walk not only helps their physical health, but it also allows for them to improve their mental health.” 

Peter has attended the ‘healthy hub’ every week since October and finds the meet-up beneficial. 

He said: “The session is great because it gets me out the house, I can have a chat with the mates I’ve met here and have a bit of banter. 

“Thursday is my only day off now, the health improvement team’s sessions through the week mean I’m out the house most of the time. I’ve even started playing tennis on a Friday.” 

Roy, who also attends the weekly session, enjoys the social element of the hub.

He said: “It’s great to get out of the house. It keeps me really occupied and everyone is sociable, you get something to eat when you come, and everyone is so happy when they are here.” 

Penny added that due to the cost-of-living crisis the service has seen an increase in people seeking their help.  

“The cost of living is something that people here talk to us about all the time,” she said. 

“We often do food bank referrals here at the centre, people also mention that they struggle with their energy costs, but the increase of the demand is definitely there.” 

The Health Improvement Team are hoping that the hub will continue to help to bring the community together over the winter months.