HALE runs a variety of activities that aim to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.  Our staff work with community groups to identify gaps in social activities and then set up appropriate groups.

These vary from running self esteem and confidence courses, to stress and relaxation sessions, to T'ai Chi and arts & crafts courses.  We also run 2 film clubs, a Chit Chat club for older ladies, a Gentlemens Club for older men, and a Chatterboxes groups for men and women.  We also run a monthly Wellbeing Café for people with dementia or memory loss and their relatives/carers.  Visitors to these groups enjoy the opportunity to get out of the house, socialise and meet new friends.

We also appreciate that it can be hard to start going to a new activity on your own, so we run the Networker project.  A HALE Networker can meet with you to find out about social activities that might be of interest, then go along with you until you feel confident enough to attend activities on your own. Anyone can refer themselves or someone they know into the scheme.

HALE also runs a Befriending service, as part of the Shipley Area Links Befriending Scheme. This scheme is specifically for people aged 65 and over, who have become lonely and isolated, and who would welcome the company and social interaction of a weekly visit from a Befriending volunteer.  Referrals can be made directly to HALE or if you would like to volunteer as a Befriender we would be delighted to hear from you.