WHEN Kelly Williams first started a friendship group to tackle loneliness, she didn’t realise the joy she could bring to others in the midst of a pandemic.

Happy Friends Bradford launched on Facebook to help people make friends and try something new last year.

In weeks gone by the group might have met up for a pub quiz or hiked up the hills with a members ranging from those in their 20s, people adjusting to life without a partner or the elderly.

And now, as the district prepares to self-isolate, Kelly has created her 'Happy Friends TV guide' for a series of live videos designed to keep people busy and connected via Facebook.

This means as long as you're a member of 'Spread A Little Sunshine C19 Entertainment & Support Group' on Facebook, you could take part in a music quiz, watch Spirit Of Smokie's Dean Barton perform live from his Malta home and even try yoga.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The Wilsden resident said: "We soon realised that this group could help and support the whole community not just our members, so have opened the door to absolutely everyone.

"Now more than ever people need to feel supported and connected, especially people who live alone.

"We aren’t organising external events for the foreseeable future.

"We wanted to bring some entertainment and support to them in their homes."

She added: "I wanted to come up with an idea which helps people to use the power of the internet but as a way to create human connection."

More events will be scheduled in the coming weeks and Kelly is appealing for help from those who could use their skills for good.

We are hoping it will be a welcome distraction that will keep everyone entertained whilst we navigate these uncharted waters"

- Kelly Williams

Whether you're an entertainer for kids, a musician, a fitness coach or yoga expert, quiz lover or a life coach, the Facebook TV channel will feature lots of activities to keep your mind distracted.

Two events will take place tonight, starting with a pub music quiz at 8pm and the live session with Spirit of Smokie which was created by the son of Alan Barton to pay tribute to his father and the original band.

In future, the live videos could include Zumba, aerobics, chair exercises and dance or family-oriented shows with magicians, Blue Peter style craft workshops, games and bedtime story telling. Kelly also hopes to schedule in meditators and inspirational speakers.

She added: "We are hoping it will be a welcome distraction that will keep everyone entertained whilst we navigate these uncharted waters and not feel quite so alone."