The Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Bradford City AFC, has introduced a new initiative called Friendship Walks to support older adults in Bradford and encourage them to become more active.
Project Details
The Friendship Walks project is designed for individuals living with dementia, mild cognitive impairments, and their carers. It aims to increase daily physical activity, improve overall wellbeing, and foster social connections in a supportive and accessible environment. The programme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Pavan Sembi, Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation and the Friendship Walks project lead, stated: “We want these sessions not only to promote physical wellbeing through gentle activity but also to encourage participants to share their own knowledge, experiences, and personal insights about our city. Our hope is that by the end of this programme, our group of participants will have connected more deeply with Bradford’s heritage and will be able to convey their perspectives and love for their home city.”
Walk Locations and Activities
The project features fortnightly walks across landmarks and areas of interest in Bradford and the wider district, including Haworth, Saltaire, Bradford Cathedral, and the University of Bradford Stadium. Participants are encouraged to bring their phones or cameras to capture images during the walks. These images will be collated and formed into an exhibition celebrating Bradford, the city’s history, and the creativity and unique viewpoints of the participants.
The walks will be combined with creativity sessions at the Foundation’s City Hub, where participants can plan upcoming journeys, reflect on their experiences, connect with each other, and share and review the images they have gathered.
Official Support
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin commented: “It's important that everybody gets the opportunity to enjoy our wonderful region and meet new people. We're delighted that these walks will bring people together to boost their wellbeing, visit landmarks across the city, and create a sense of belonging in communities. Together with our partners, we’re creating a happier and healthier West Yorkshire where everybody can thrive.”
Background and How to Join
The Friendship Walks follow the Foundation’s successful Click and Connect photography project, which engaged young people in similar walks to local landmarks and resulted in the Click and Connect Photography Exhibition at the City Hub in October 2025. The Friendship Walks began in May 2026 and are free for anyone who wishes to participate. Spaces are limited. Interested parties should complete the registration form or contact Pavan Sembi via telephone at 07881 712430 or email at pavan.sembi@bcfccommunity.co.uk. The project takes place in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
