What’s on your doorstep? Celebrate International Day of Older People this October
Every year on 1 October, the world marks the International Day of Older People. Set up by the United Nations, it recognises both the opportunities and the challenges of an ageing population, and champions a society that works for people of every age.
This year in Calderdale, we’re celebrating throughout the month of October, the people, places and services that help us stay active and connected, and we’re asking you one simple question: what’s on your doorstep?
The answer might surprise you. Throughout October, voluntary and community organisations across Calderdale are opening their doors with events and activities for you to try.
Please contact the organisations listed below directly for more information about event dates and times. We’ll also be adding full details of the events to our big calendar of Calderdale events as soon as we get them.
The Organisers & Their Events
- Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees – Taster activities of Walking Tennis, Indian Dancing and of course a buffet!
- Calder & Ryburn Community Collaboration – Two celebratory events, one at Elland Community Hub and another at Foundry Street Community Association in Sowerby Bridge. Both events will provide taster sessions of activities that take place in and around Elland and Sowerby Bridge.
- Curious Motion – Dance to Dolly music and dance workshop
- Grassroots – Disco, dance, poetry and wellbeing information and opening of the new community garden project.
- Highgate High Fivers – Afternoon concert with the community choir.
- Integrate Todmorden – South Asian older women’s wellbeing event with traditional arts, crafts and exercise.
- IOU Creation Centre and Hostel – Intergenerational dance, music and games event at Waterside Lodge.
- Memory Lane Café – Line Dancing (and seated line dancing) activities taking place on 4 consecutive Wednesdays in October. Music, dance and refreshments.
- Northern Powerhouse Boxing – 50 plus Boxercise and Move More taster sessions.
- St Augustines – 50 plus wellbeing day including Tai-Chi, massage and superfood smoothie.
- The Space at Rastrick – Wellbeing Information Fair providing advice, guidance and support from local organisation on your doorstep. The fair will include taster sessions for arts and crafts and physical activity, and afternoon tea will be available.
- Unmasked Mental Health – Community wellbeing event. Gentle exercise class, afternoon tea and social, and a talk from local historian David Glover “Some forgotten Calderdale Women” – part of the 2025 Halifax Heritage Festival.
- Upper Valley Staying Well – The Upper Valley Social in Motion event will provide movement, games, dance and opportunities to connect with groups and activities on your doorstep.
Whether you want to get moving, learn something new, meet new people or find out what support is out there, there’s something happening near you.
So, bring a friend, a neighbour or a family member, and come and see what’s on your doorstep.
