A group helping older people learn new skills and keep their independence

Failure to find a suitable site, and the subsequent impact of the financial climate caused by Britain’s recession, has led to the ambition to create a centre for older people in Bradford’s city centre to be scaled down.

When Jean Walker and fellow members from Bradford and District Senior Power clinched £50,000 on ITV show Millionaires’ Giveaway – after persuading the panel, including businessman Duncan Bannatyne and Tory peer Lord Jeffrey Archer, that their idea for a Peoples’ Centre for Bradford was worth investing in – their thoughts turned to finding or building suitable premises.

Jean’s inspiration was the Healthy Living Centre in Hull she visited, but six years on, the project has moved away from them building a new property, or even refurbishing an existing building.

Undeterred, they will not be defeated. Hosting weekly drop-in sessions initially at The Picnic Parlour, above the former Zavvi music store, and currently at the Ginger Goose, where they meet on Wednesdays until January, has given the group chance to see whether it is meeting the needs of the community it is eager to serve.

For many elderly people, the opportunity to leave their homes, even for one day a week, decreases feelings of isolation and depression.

Around 800,000 people in England are chronically lonely and this can impact on their health. Promoting health and well-being is part of the Bradford People’s Centre ethos, yet their location remains their stumbling block.

Relocation to the Ginger Goose enabled members to continue taking up activities and educational opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have at home – learning to play the ukulele is among the most popular activities. They can socialise and form new friendships – for many, it’s a new lease of life.

Seeing the benefits the sessions have brought places greater importance on Bradford People’s Centre finding a permanent home and Jean Walker, the project’s champion, is determined that the new year will bring developments.

While conscious of promoting activities for older people, Jean and her team are keen for their centre to be intergenerational and the prospect of a permanent home at Culture Fusion could harness that.

Launched in autumn 2011, Culture Fusion occupies a six-storey building in Thornton Road and facilities include a recording studio, performance space, climbing wall and training rooms, for young people.

A recent Bradford People’s Centre open day helped guests to get a feel for the facilities ahead of a six-week pilot programme, from February 4 until March 14, to prepare for a potential permanent move there.

With plug in hand, under the guidance of teacher Peter Sheargold, Joan Fenton learns how to wire a plug during a DIY session.

“I’m a very independent lady and my son is fantastic, but he can’t always be there,” says Joan, referring to why she wanted to learn this skill.

Joan has seen the benefits the centre could bring to Bradford. “I think it is important that people have somewhere with educational opportunities as well as just recreational,” she says.

‘Learning to cook on a budget’ is among the suggestions penned on boards around this comfortable space where there is a buzz that finally Bradford People’s Centre has found a permanent home.

“We are not a service, we’re a community. This is about everything that older people have to offer to each other and the wider community,” says co-ordinator Heather Blakey.

Virginia Saynor, chairman of Bradford People’s Centre advisory group, says the idea to build a new property had to change with the economic situation and the possibility of Culture Fusion becoming their permanent home is a “brilliant opportunity”.

Bradford and District Senior Power is driving the initiative with the support of Age UK Bradford and District and Bradford Council.

Jean says: “Older people still want to feel needed. We don’t want to feel getting to the end of our lives you are a burden. It gives you a real lift if you feel you are needed and you can do something.”

A Culture Fusion spokesman says: “We have been delighted to meet with Jean Walker and the team from the Bradford People’s Centre over recent months. They are an impressive and organised group who already deliver a range of activities for older people.

“We know the group are keen to find a new home and we have been looking at how they may be able use some of the facilities at Culture Fusion and where we can develop inter-generational work to complement both of our existing services.”