Airedale Seniors Collective launched this summer providing a social space for older people
18 Sep 2026
This #GoodNewsFriday we hear about the launch of the Airedale Seniors Collective this summer, providing a dedicated, welcoming space where older people in the local area can socialise and access support.
The newly formed Airedale Seniors Collective (ASC) officially launched its mission to support local older people, welcoming guests with a full red-carpet rollout at Sutton Village Hall this summer. The afternoon proved to be a resounding success, bringing together local residents, community groups, and partners for a vibrant celebration packed with live music, delicious food, and meaningful connection.
The initiative was created directly in response to feedback from within the Aire Valley, addressing a clear need for dedicated, welcoming spaces where older people can socialise and access support. Organised by local care provider Spellman Care, the collective aims to reduce social isolation and ensure that elderly residents have a strong, passionate voice advocating for them.
Philippa Young, the project's lead and Group Operations Manager for Spellman Care, opened the afternoon with a heartfelt speech. She said:
None of us come into the care industry as public speakers. We all talk with passion, from our hearts, and that's why the collective is even more important—to ensure that every older person and carer's voice is heard. This group was born out of conversations and feedback from within our own community. Time and again, we heard that there simply weren't enough dedicated, welcoming spaces for older people to get together and socialise in the Aire Valley. We wanted to change that. Our core goal is simple: to reduce social isolation and to ensure that the elderly in our local area have a strong, valued voice... We want the collective to be more than just a place to meet for a cup of tea. We want it to be a trusted resource—somewhere you feel you can come to whenever you need a bit of guidance or a helping hand.
The room was filled with energy as visitors enjoyed a live saxophone performance by Phil Benson, followed by an upbeat set from Shane Hamill, a former cruise ship singer.
Reflecting on the afternoon, attendees Mr and Mrs Shaw shared how much the event meant to them:
My husband and I had a wonderful time at the collective on Friday. To be quite honest, it's a real relief to get out of the house and go somewhere that isn't a hospital or a doctor's appointment for once. It was lovely to see so many stalls with lots of information. Best of all was just having a lovely sit-down, a cup of tea, and a proper natter with people. The music was brilliant and really took us back. We're already looking forward to coming to the next ones and putting our own ideas forward for what we can all do together.
Local Councillor George Buckley shared his enthusiasm online, stating:
Thank you to Airedale Seniors Collective for inviting us along to their first gathering at Sutton-in-Craven Village Hall. It is a great initiative and brought together local service providers and businesses. If you are a local business or would like to help please do get in touch with the team.
In addition to the regular meetups, the Airedale Seniors Collective has announced that it is currently working on a comprehensive directory of local support available for older generations. Driven entirely by recommendations from the community, the directory will cover everything and anything required to support independent living—from handy people, cleaners, and dentists to care homes.
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