JanineA community sports facility in East Leeds is expanding its services to provide a vital lifeline for elderly residents. The Junior Sports Hub has launched an elderly social care club aimed at combating loneliness, isolation, and mental health issues among older adults.
The new initiative comes in response to growing demand from the community for a safe, welcoming space where elderly people can connect, stay active, and feel supported.
“We set it up because the community has been asking for a safe and warm space for elderly people,” said Kamran Khan, who is a trustee of the Junior Sports Hub. He added: “We worked closely with local councillors to make this happen.”
The elderly social club will initially run once a week, with plans to increase the frequency if demand grows. According to Khan, the main goal is to provide older residents with a sense of purpose and address emotional wellbeing.
He added: “The elders are at home while the youngsters are at work, and kids are at school. So they are left home alone, staring at a TV. We wanted to have a place where they could make friends and socialise.”
A range of activities are offered at the club to promote physical, mental, and emotional health. The sports hub already has an indoor five-a-side pitch, a garden area, and a gym, and plans are underway to introduce gentle physical exercises for seniors. “There’s a physical element to it as well,” said Khan. “We want to get them walking around, keeping active, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
In addition to physical activities, the hub is looking to incorporate creative sessions, educational workshops on technology, and health-related discussions. “Many elderly people struggle to use a mobile phone, and we want to introduce more creative activities, like painting and crafts, to give them something to look forward to,” Khan said.
The first session saw a positive turnout, and Khan hopes to build this into a regular group of dedicated attendees. “We’re off to a good start, and we’ve had help from elected ward members and local businesses who have donated refreshments and other support,” he added.
The Junior Sports Hub, originally established eight years ago to provide a safe space for young people, has since evolved into a community hub that caters to a wide range of age groups. The hub’s expansion also reflects a broader effort to create a space where people from all backgrounds can feel welcomed and supported. “We started with young kids, then brought in women’s-only groups, and now this is our first group for the elderly,” said Khan. “It’s become a whole family wellbeing centre.
“It doesn’t matter what background, race, or area you are from—it’s open to all.
“We want people to come in, be open, connect, and know that they’re not alone.”
With ongoing support from the community, local businesses, and partnerships with organisations like Leeds City Council and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, the Junior Sports Hub is set to continue growing and helping more residents across East Leeds. “It feels like a family here,” said Khan. “People who were once isolated now look forward to our sessions, and it has created a sense of belonging.”
