Care group celebrates as both its care home ‘Adopt a Grandfriend’ scheme and community initiative Airedale Seniors Collective are named Finalists for Wellbeing and Activities Initiative of the Year.
Spellman Care is celebrating a double success after two of its flagship projects were named Finalists in the prestigious Bradford Cares Excellence Awards. Both the group’s home-based ‘Adopt a Grandfriend’ scheme and the community-focused Airedale Seniors Collective have been shortlisted in the highly competitive Wellbeing and Activities Initiative of the Year category.
The double recognition highlights exceptional contributions across adult social care in the Bradford district, with an independent judging panel praising the impact, dedication, and positive difference made by both projects.
While sharing a central mission to promote connection and wellbeing, each project serves the local area in a distinct way. The ‘Adopt a Grandfriend’ scheme operates directly within Spellman Care’s residential and nursing homes, pairing residents with local community volunteers to build lasting intergenerational friendships, combat social isolation, and bring vibrant new connections into everyday care home life. Operating alongside this, the Airedale Seniors Collective was established by Spellman Care as an independent community project running separately from the homes, specifically designed to support local seniors and carers in the wider community through friendly social gatherings and accessible local activities.
Speaking on the achievement, Peter Chadwick, representing Spellman Care and the Airedale Seniors Collective, said:
“Our residents and local community members are always at the heart of everything we do, so having both of these initiatives shortlisted side-by-side is a huge honour. Whether it is connecting our residents with local children through ‘Adopt a Grandfriend’, or supporting elderly individuals across the Airedale Valley through the Collective, we are incredibly proud of the difference these projects continue to make.”
This shortlist announcement arrives just days before the Airedale Seniors Collective hosts its second community event at Silsden Methodist Church, taking place from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Tuesday, 15th September 2026.
Following direct feedback from attendees at the inaugural gathering, this upcoming session will feature an interactive ‘Skills Share’ afternoon. Local seniors, carers, and community members of all ages are invited to drop in to share their passions or learn something new, with activities ranging from knitting and painting to practical tech tips, languages, and traditional crafts.
The winners of the Bradford Cares Excellence Awards will be announced during a celebratory gala evening at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on 5th November 2026.
Local seniors, carers, and community members are warmly invited to join the free ‘Skills Share’ afternoon at Silsden Methodist Church on Tuesday, where complimentary refreshments will be served.
