A network of new Age-Friendly benches has been installed across Cheetham Hill, giving older residents safer, more accessible routes through their neighbourhood and improving connections to their community.
The benches were placed following close consultation with older residents and community groups. They line key walking routes near Khizra Mosque, a local guidance hub, the post office, the church on Waterloo Road, and Belott Street Park. Additional benches have been positioned near the medical and advice centre on Levenhurst Road, as well as on the corners of Cheetham Hill Road.
The project aims to support independence among older people by providing regular, reliable resting spots that make it easier to reach shops, parks, services and public transport links. While designed with older residents in mind, the benches are open for anyone to use, being especially helpful for people with mobility issues, disabled residents, and pregnant women.
The aim of the project is positively affecting lives, local resident Norman Goodman “had to stop off at bus stops” when he was walking before the benches were implemented. Norman said: “I can sit down properly for 10 minutes, and that helps me and hundreds of others. The area isn’t affluent, so any improvements are good for the environment and the appearance.”
Cheetham Hill which is home to more than 400 residents aged 66 and over has received £170,000 for the scheme through Manchester City Council’s Clean and Green campaign. The wider £15 million programme, launched in July last year, is investing in neighbourhood improvements across the city, with an emphasis on greener, more accessible public spaces.
Age-Friendly benches are already in place in several areas including Whalley Range and there have been clear benefits for the elderly since they’ve came into fruition as they have not only had physical benefits, but they’ve also helped combat loneliness for the elderly.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, executive member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, expressed how these benches help reduce loneliness within the community. Cllr Igbon said: “You’ll see people sat together, having a chat and sharing conversations and it does bring people together”.
According to Age UK nearly one million elderly people in the UK are struggling with loneliness so these age friendly benches can be pivotal in combatting this problem.
On the back of this success 49 more age-friendly benches are set to be rolled out across Greater Manchester including Levenshulme, Fallowfield, Northenden, Brooklands, Baguley, Sharston and Woodhouse Park.
Community involvement has been central to the project. By working directly with older people and local groups, the council created tailored walking routes that reflect the real-world journeys residents make each day: from trips to the GP, bus stops, community centres and local shops. These routes are also planned to link up with similar networks in other neighbourhoods, allowing residents to travel further with confidence.
Elaine Unegbu, Chair of Age-Friendly, stated that community involvement has been key to the scheme’s success. Elaine said: “Because the benches were installed with input from local people. Age-Friendly benches reduce isolation, improve exercise, and support both physical and mental wellbeing. They also create opportunities for socialising across generations.”