A community outreach initiative established to combat social isolation and bring older adults together across the region has been named Wellbeing and Activities Initiative of the Year at the first-ever Bradford Care Excellence Awards.
The Airedale Seniors Collective, a community project created by family-run care provider Spellman Care, received the accolade during a celebratory ceremony hosted by the Bradford Care Association on Thursday evening. The award was presented to the team by Sarah Deane, Community Producer at Bradford Museums and Galleries, alongside the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Chris Herd.
Launched just over six months ago, the Airedale Seniors Collective held its inaugural gathering in June 2026. Since then, the project has rapidly grown into a popular and vital community fixture, bringing local older adults together to foster friendship, reduce loneliness, and access helpful local support.
The evening proved doubly special for Spellman Care, which secured two separate nominations in the Wellbeing and Activities Initiative of the Year category. Alongside the Airedale Seniors Collective, the group was also shortlisted for its Adopt a Grandfriend scheme, an intergenerational companionship programme run across its four care homes that previously gained regional recognition on BBC Radio Leeds.
Philippa Young, Project Lead at the Airedale Seniors Collective and Group Operations Manager at Spellman Care, said: “We are beyond thrilled and deeply proud to bring this trophy home. When the initial idea for the Collective began coming together just over six months ago, we never could have imagined how quickly these gatherings would capture the hearts of our local community. To go from a simple concept to winning a district-wide award in such a short space of time is truly breathtaking.
“Having two of our initiatives recognised side by side on the night meant the world to our entire team. At Spellman Care, our core values of Kindness, Dignity and Compassion guide everything we do. As a family business, the Airedale Seniors Collective is our way of putting those values into action and giving back to the local community. While Adopt a Grandfriend brings generations together within our care homes, the Collective extends that same warmth and support beyond our doors.
“We want to help build a supportive network for older people, whether they live independently at home, receive support at home or live in a care home. The Collective also provides an ideal space for residents from our care homes to visit, meet others and stay connected with their local community. It is about making sure people feel included, valued and supported, wherever they call home. This award belongs to everyone who has attended, supported and championed the Collective so far.”
As the Airedale Seniors Collective continues to expand and prepares to host its next community event, the team is looking for volunteers to help support its growing programme of gatherings. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to get in touch.
The team is also inviting the community to help shape what comes next. What activities would you enjoy, which local venues would you like to visit, and what would make future gatherings welcoming and worthwhile for you? Whether you have attended before, have only heard about the Collective or are discovering it for the first time, your ideas are welcome. No previous involvement is needed, this is an opportunity to help steer the Collective in the direction you want it to take.
To volunteer, share your ideas for future activities and venues, or find out more about upcoming gatherings and available support, visit airedaleseniors.co.uk, follow the Airedale Seniors Collective on Facebook at facebook.com/AiredaleSeniors, email info@airedaleseniors.co.uk, or call / text 07501 470570.
