WHAT was meant to be a one-off walk around the park has become a weekly slot in the diary for a number of older men in Bradford.

A health and wellbeing group organised a weekly walk around Lister Park for older men to come together, with a push for them to open up and talk.

Happy Healthy You Bradford & Beyond set up this initiative after noticing there wasn’t much on for the ‘Golden Oldies’ in the area and wanted to give them an opportunity to get out of their homes.

Zafar Kayani, Male Sessional worker at Happy Healthy You Bradford & Beyond, said: “We wanted to do something for the dads and grandads, to get them out of the house and open up a bit more.

“There’s a physical and mental element to this, being outside with nature allows them to come together and socialise.

“It was only supposed to be one week, but the Golden Oldies really enjoyed it and wanted it again.”

The programme has been running for two weeks and has pulled in over two dozen men between the ages of 40 and 85.

After the walk, the group is treated to a hot cup of Masala Tea, as they sit around and reminisce about their time in the UK, growing up and their daily life.

“On the first week we did one lap around the park and this week we did a second.

“We didn’t want to push it with a third because I know some of the men wouldn’t be able to take it.

“It’s great to see them coming together and unlocking memories.

“Some of the men hadn’t seen each other in 20 to 30 years, so it gave them an opportunity to reconnect and share everything that’s happened. “

The group meets near the tennis courts in Lister Park and after their walk and cool down they sit on the benches by the bowling green and have a cup of tea.

“I have to say I make a lovely cup of Masala Tea and they really enjoy it.

“We offer it to anyone who is passing by at the time and this walk is open to any man.

“Some of the Golden Oldies are already getting their waterproof jackets sorted for the wetter weather.

“It was blustery this weekend, but we still got a good turnout.

“As long as people want it, we will provide them with this service.”

Happy Healthy You Bradford & Beyond opened during lockdown, offering virtual health and wellbeing classes.

A WhatsApp group of 20 soon became 500 and the group has a timetable of activities for men and women on their Facebook page.

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