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Local support can make a huge difference to an older person’s quality of life. These services help older people stay connected, maintain independence, get out and about in the community, and take part in activities they enjoy. But with so many different services, charities, and community groups available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Across Kirklees, including Holmfirth and Holme Valley, there are community transport services, day centres, social groups, lunch clubs, dementia support services, libraries and other local organisations offering support and activities for older people.
We have brought some of these resources together in one place to make them easier to find. This guide is intended as a starting point rather than a replacement for professional advice or an individual care assessment. Eligibility, opening times, activities and prices can change, so always check the latest information directly with the organisation before making arrangements.
Last updated: September 2026
Senior Transport and Accessible Travel
Accessibility makes the biggest difference in helping older people maintain relationships, attend appointments, shop independently, and take part in activities. However, not everyone will have the same transport needs.
Some people can use ordinary buses and trains with a concessionary pass, while others may need an accessible vehicle, assistance when travelling or a door-to-door service.
Senior Travel Pass
For older people (of State Pension age) who can use ordinary public transport, a Senior Travel Pass is a great option. The pass provides free off-peak bus travel across England and half-fare off-peak train travel within West Yorkshire.
Off-peak bus travel is available after 9:30 am Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. Off-peak train travel is available between 9:30 am and 4 pm, and 6:30 pm until the end of service.
This cost difference can make ordinary public transport considerably more accessible for older people who are able to travel independently but are living from their pension.
Useful for: People who can use ordinary bus and train services but need help with travel costs.
Check eligibility, permitted services and current off-peak timings before travelling.
Disabled and Blind Person’s Travel Passes
People with certain disabilities may qualify for a Disabled Person’s Travel Pass or Blind Person’s Travel Pass. Eligibility will depend on the nature and impact of the disability.
The concessions differ between the two passes. A Blind Person’s Pass provides free travel on buses and trains in West Yorkshire, while a Disabled Person’s Pass provides free off-peak bus travel and half-fare off-peak train travel within West Yorkshire. Both passes also provide concessions on eligible services elsewhere in England.
Companion passes are also available in some circumstances. For more information, visit the West Yorkshire Metro website.
AccessBus
AccessBus is a door-to-door local transport service designed for people who may find conventional public transport difficult to use. Registration is required before travelling, and journeys generally need to be booked in advance.
This service operates between 9 am and 5 pm across West Yorkshire for small, local journeys, such as shopping, places of worship and community centres. This transport service is not intended for hospital appointments.
People with an English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass, including Senior, Disabled or Blind passes, can travel on AccessBus for free. Adults without an ENCTS pass pay a £3 fare each way, and children pay £1.50.
Useful for: Older people or anyone who finds conventional public transport difficult to use.
Check registration, availability, journey area and booking requirements before travelling.
Day Centres
Day services can give older people somewhere to spend time outside the home, meet other people and take part in activities and support suited to their needs. They can also give family members and unpaid carers a break from their caring responsibilities.
Day Opportunities for People Living With Dementia
Kirklees Council’s Community Directory includes local organisations and activities providing day opportunities and dementia support. It can be a useful place to look for community groups and activities across Kirklees.
Kirklees Council provides its own day opportunities at Knowl Park House in Mirfield. The service provides a range of activities and quieter spaces, with transport available for people living with dementia.
The service operates between Monday and Friday, depending on assessed need. Access is through a referral process, so anyone interested should contact Kirklees Adult Social Care.
Age UK Calderdale Kirklees Wellbeing Centres
Age UK Calderdale Kirklees provides wellbeing and companionship centres for older people aged over 50, providing opportunities to socialise, take part in activities and enjoy a midday meal. The centres are fully accessible and wheelchair-accessible minibus transport is available.
They have three locations in Halifax, Huddersfield, and Batley. Activities can include quizzes, bingo, arts and crafts, music, and IT activities.
The standard weekday day rate is currently £52.80, with transport costing £11.90 per day or £5.95 one way. Meals are charged separately.
If this price is inaccessible, you may be eligible for financial support from Gateway to Care.
A separate Weekend Wellbeing Centre operates on Sundays at the Halifax centre. This service is free, although transport and meals are charged separately.
Useful for: Older people who want regular social contact, activities and support getting to a day centre.
Community Groups and Hubs
Not every useful community resource is specifically labelled a “day centre”. Libraries, community centres, lunch clubs, social groups and local organisations can all provide opportunities for older people to stay connected.
Kirklees Library Hubs
Kirklees has 10 Library Hubs, which provide more than access to books, helping people find:
- Community activities.
- Local services.
- Adult learning.
- Information about benefits and financial support.
- Adult social care information.
- Mental health and wellbeing support.
- Digital skills support.
- Accessible facilities such as hearing loops, large-print resources and assistive technology.
This makes Library Hubs a useful starting point for anyone who knows they need some support but is unsure which service or organisation to contact. Staff can help people find local activities and access council or community services.
Friend to Friend
Friend to Friend was founded in 1996 and runs groups in Holmfirth and Meltham aimed at helping people enjoy a healthier, more active life. They are fighting loneliness in the older community through this social, peer support club.
Activities and meeting arrangements vary between the two locations. In Holmfirth, there is a monthly schedule of lunch clubs, seated Zumba, and a 2-course meal followed by quizzes and raffles. At Meltham, there is a monthly meal and fortnightly “Chair Tai Chi” available.
Useful for: Older people looking for regular social activities, exercise and opportunities to meet other people.
Happy Memories Dementia Support Groups
Happy Memories provides social activities for people living with dementia and their carers in North Kirklees. The group runs regular activities and a lunch club, giving people an opportunity to meet others in a relaxed setting.
Happy Memories is an activity group for people with dementia with a fee of £5 to cover tea, coffee and lunch. Their activities range from ball games and dancing to quoits and musical bingo. They meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in Mirfield.
Thursday Friends meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month in Dewsbury, and feature the same activities as Happy Memories.
They also host a Luncheon Club in Heckmondwike on the 2nd Monday of each month. Featuring a two-course meal and raffle, this lunch club is the perfect casual way to meet new people. The meals are pre-ordered and cost £14, so you must sign up in advance.
Useful for: People looking for regular social contact, particularly those living with dementia and their carers.
Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees Befriending Services
Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees provides befriending support for older people experiencing loneliness or isolation. This service can be provided in person or over the phone.
The service can be requested by the person themselves or by someone on their behalf.
Community Support for Carers
Community resources and support groups are not just for older people. Being a carer or simply coming to terms with a loved one’s diagnosis can be difficult to navigate alone. However, there are plenty of resources and groups available for carers and family members.
A carer may be looking for:
- A regular activity for their relative.
- A day service that provides daytime support.
- A social group.
- Transport.
- A break from caring.
- Information about available support.
Kirklees Council offers carers’ assessments to help unpaid carers discuss how their caring responsibilities affect their wellbeing and what support they may need. The assessment can also consider whether having more time to take part in activities or other parts of everyday life would help.
There are also local organisations offering separate support for carers, including Carers Count, Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire, and Kirklees Wellness Service, which provide separate support for carers who are struggling.
How to Know What Support You Need?
If you are unsure if you are eligible or in need of care support, Kirklees Council offers a care and support needs assessment for adults who may need support because of age, disability or ill health. The assessment looks at what someone can already do, where they need support, and what they would like to achieve.
It will consider areas such as:
- Personal care.
- Preparing food.
- Moving around safely.
- Getting out and about.
- Using local services.
- Maintaining contact with other people.
- Existing support from family, friends and neighbours.
You do not always need a formal care assessment to access community activities, early-intervention services or some forms of support. However, if you are unsure where to begin, Kirklees’ Community Health and Social Care Hub can also provide information about adult social care and support services.
How to Choose a Local Service
The most suitable service will depend upon the person’s wants and needs. Before making a booking or attending a group, consider:
- Location: Is it close enough to make regular attendance realistic?
- Transport: Can the person get there independently, or will they need community transport or an accessible vehicle?
- Accessibility: Ensure the building will meet all of your accessibility requirements.
- Activities: Does the group match the person’s interests?
- Support needs: Not every social group or community activity is able to provide personal care or clinical support.
- Cost: Some activities are free, while others charge for attendance, transport, meals, or activities.
If available, a taster session or trial visit can help someone decide whether the environment feels comfortable and suitable.
Useful Resources
If you are supporting an older relative, you may find the following pages useful:
