Burmantofts Senior Action CIO has been helping and supporting older people in their community for the past 27 years. As part of a wide range of services, they run Blokes and Banter, a men’s group. Its activities involve trips to the local pub – the Anglers Club – plus meals out and excursions, for example to Leeds Armouries (pictured). Leeds Alternative Travel provides the transport that takes group members from their homes to the activities. ‘The group aims to bring socially isolated older men together but, to make that work, you’re looking for a particular environment,’ explains Sheila Davenport, Volunteer/Activities Coordinator at Burmantofts Senior Action. ‘The Anglers Club is ideal. For many group members, it was their local and a place where they spent many nights out – which, due to reduced mobility, they could no longer access.

‘By coming to the group, they can chill out in a familiar environment, catch up with friends, play snooker or dominoes, talk to people. It really builds up their confidence – to talk to others and to our staff, who can then help them access wider services if necessary. ‘All of our members are local, but many have mobility needs and some are wheelchair users, so transport is a must. For many members, even ten minutes away is too far. Specialist transport is a godsend – with drivers who really understand the needs of our group, who’ll help our service users from their door onto the transport, who’ll be patient and explain what’s going on – it’s the little things that make all the difference.’