A new group is being set up in Nidderdale to help tackle isolation and loneliness in rural areas.

Hosted by Nidderdale Plus Community Hub in Pateley Bridge, it will offer men of all ages the chance to socialise and have fun.

It is being coordinated by Kirsty Dawson from Nidderdale Plus and Dave Rowson, befriending coordinator for the Harrogate district branch of mental health charity Mind. He told the Stray Ferret:

“There was some funding available for warm spaces initiatives, so we were speaking to community offices around the area about what they thought would be of interest.

“Nidderdale Plus said there are lots of little groups and things that are fairly female-orientated in the dale, but they felt they were not getting traction with the local men, who might be lonely and isolated and looking for things to do.”

The group will initially meet every fortnight, on a Tuesday morning. As it develops, it will set its own schedule and decide what the members want to do each time.

Suggestions put forward so far include board games, films, learning first aid and basic DIY, studying local history and practising photography. Visitors to the first session at the end of February also expressed an interest in trips out, such as to pub quizzes, museums, steam railways and sports events.

The group will initially meet at the Nidderdale Plus office

While attending the group is free, Mr Rowson said he recognised some people might not be ready to join it yet, but could be looking for other support.

The befriending service through Mind offers one-to-one chances for people to reconnect with others and build their confidence, which could lead them on to joining groups like the one in Pateley Bridge.

Mr Rowson said he hoped an informal social group might be an easy way for people to increase their network of friends and boost their mental health. He said he was speaking to local farming groups to build links with their members, raising awareness of the new group and what Mind can offer more broadly.

If there was enough interest, an afternoon or evening group could also be organised for people who worked during the day.

He added:

“That’s where I think some of the connections need to come from in the rural communities, to bring some of the men suffering with mental health or isolation. They aren’t in the elderly bracket, they’re just struggling and need some introductions.

“The motivation to get them there seems to be finding something that might spark their interest. Once they’re there, they end up talking about all sorts of things.”

The next session of the men’s group will be on Tuesday, March 7 from 10.15am until noon. To book a free place, email Nidderdale Plus or Dave Rowson.

Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus is encouraging men to take up barbershop singing through a fun five-week course.

The course, which will take place at St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Road, is aimed at both newcomers and those who already enjoy singing.

There are no auditions or a need to read music and no experience is necessary. Men of all ages are welcome.

The course culminates with a concert to entertain family and friends in the final week.

Read more:

• New Harrogate Station Gateway details revealed today
• Harrogate district prepares for heatwave as red weather warning issued

The course begins on Wednesday July 27 at 7.30pm.

It costs £10 for the five weeks, which includes all course materials and tuition.

Greg Tunesi, a member of Harrogate Harmony, said:

“Being part of an ensemble, creating a harmony in music and in friendship is good fun, relaxed and informal. When you sing well amongst 16 to 18 other men, it’s an amazing feeling and produces a beautiful sound.

“Those attending will have singing in four-part harmony explained and demonstrated to them. They will then be guided as to which voice part, tenor, lead, baritone or bass best suits their voice”

For more information visit www.harrogateharmony.org.uk or contact Harold Blackburn at haroldblackburn2@outlook.com or on 07949 267344 to book a place.