A CHARITY is staging a series of activities across the district which will spotlight the support available to older people and their families.

Age UK Bradford District is holding nine days of events, including a community cafe in Keighley.

The activities are in celebration of Older People’s Day – a United Nations-recognised initiative to “acknowledge and appreciate” the extraordinary contributions and achievements of older people.

The day itself falls on Tuesday, October 1, but the Age UK Bradford District ‘Bradford Supports’ campaign begins next Thursday (Sept 26).

Nearly a dozen events, for people of all ages, are taking place in the district.

The Keighley community cafe is at the Shared Church on Monday, September 30, from 10am to 1pm. It will include a jumble sale.

Mark Rounding, the charity’s chief executive, said: “What makes these events special is that they have come from the people and the communities we work with.

“We hope that Bradford Supports will give people the chance to see some of the incredible work that goes on across the charity, the importance of fundraising and the opportunities it brings.

“Our key aim is to help make the people we work with happier, and our staff and volunteers are dedicated to achieving this goal.

“We are ready for a fun-packed nine days and hope that as many people as possible can join us to raise awareness, funds and – at the heart of it all – help older people in Bradford district to live their best life."

The charity has also revealed details of a new partnership programme, known as the Buddy scheme.

In exchange for a one-off annual payment or a monthly donation, ‘buddies’ will receive an invitation to a Buddy event every year, online recognition of contributions, a quarterly newsletter, a discount card for Age UK Bradford District shops and an annual thank-you card.

Age UK Bradford District has a 40-strong team of staff and more than 300 volunteers.

It provides information and advice and supports people in areas of wellbeing and engagement and integrated care.

Funds are raised at its eight shops across the district – including the outlet in Cooke Lane, in Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre – as well as through donations and legacies, its own fundraising events, campaigns and grants.

The shops welcome donations of unwanted goods. For details of opening times, visit ageuk.org.uk/bradforddistrict/shops.

The full programme of Bradford Supports events is:

Thursday, September 26 – Veterans’ Breakfast Club, The Turls Green Wetherspoon pub, Bradford, 10am to 1pm. Contact Fiona.marshall@ageukbd.org.uk to check availability of places.

Saturday, September 28 – Age UK Bradford District Baildon shop coffee morning, 10am to noon.

Monday, September 30 – Age UK Bradford District Shipley shop coffee morning, 10am to 12.30pm; Keighley community cafe, Shared Church, 10am to1pm, including jumble sale.

Tuesday, October 1 – Older People’s Day Positive Ageing Partnership launch, Centenary Square, Bradford, 10am to 2pm; Tuesday Friends Club, Great Horton village, 11am to 3pm, with book sale between 11.30am and 12.30pm; Morrisons afternoon tea at Five Lane Ends, Idle, time to be confirmed.

Wednesday, October 2 – Age UK Bradford District Allerton shop coffee morning, 10am to 1pm; Age UK Bradford District Wrose shop coffee morning, 10am to 2pm; Age UK Bradford District Wibsey shop coffee morning, 9.30am to 11.30pm.

Friday, October 4 – Five Lane Ends Morrisons fundraising activity, 9am to 4.30pm.