Calderdale & Local News

  • benefits and money news
    Support for people who need help to buy food.
    Calderdale Council’s website includes a page where you can find a range of support for people who need help to buy food. Find out about community kitchens, food banks and what Government schemes there are for you. Also, how …
  • Our Next Open Meeting – Tues 24 October
    Our next Open Meeting will be on Tuesday 24th October 2023. We’d love you to join us for this friendly, sociable get together which is free to attend, includes a free buffet lunch and where you can also claim your travel …
  • Meet and Eat Event In Illingworth
    On the 18th of October from 11 – 2pm you are invited down to Illingworth Moor Methodist Church for a ‘Meet and Eat’. The event is for disabled people, families and carers and is an opportunity to meet friendly, like-minded …
  • Calderdale news
    Help Wheelchair Rugby League Club Raise Funds
  • Calderdale news
    A Guide To Halifax Bus Station Partial Re-Opening On 1 October
    From Sunday 1st October 2023, Halifax Bus Station will be partially reopening with a new Travel Centre, toilet facilities and some bus services. Construction works will continue until early 2024 to finish the remainder of the new …
  • Swimming Fund Raiser – For Healthy Minds
    Healthy Minds are calling all swimmers, from novice to pro, to take the plunge for a great cause: better mental health for everyone in Calderdale! When: Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at 2:00 PM Where: Choose your local participating …
  • health & nhs news
    Calderdale Older Persons’ Activity Survey Results
    In June and July 2023, our sister organisation, Calderdale Forum 50 Plus, ran a short survey of older people to find out more about their activity levels and access to health & fitness. The survey was promoted through the …
  • Calderdale news
    Our September Podcast
    Disability Partnership Calderdale’s September 2023 podcast is now out and it contains the usual range of news, events and info. Find out about what Shibden Park has to offer wheelchair users; hear about events in Todmorden …
  • Calderdale news
    Changing Places Toilet Coming to Ogden Water This Month
    Calderdale Council have secured funding through the Changing Places Consortium to install a Changing Places toilet at Ogden Water.  Work is currently underway to reconfigure the existing disabled toilet to create space to allow …
  • benefits and money news
    Happy Days Launch Social Supermarket
    On Wednesday the 23rd of August, Happy Days launched Halifax’s first Social Supermarket, relacing their foodbank. This is what they say about the change: “This move from a foodbank will promote choice, dignity and empower …
  • Heritage Festival Events in Calderdale
    September sees this year’s running of the Heritage Open Days Festival, England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings …
  • Meet and Eat Event
    Accessible Calderdale is holding a FREE Meet and Eat event for disabled people, family members and their carers in a relaxed and friendly space. On Thurs 14th September, 11am – 2pm At Square Chapel. Ring 07596707795 to book…
  • Calderdale news
    Update & Pictures: New Halifax Bus Station
    Although the actual date has yet to be confirmed, the new Halifax bus station is due to open in the next few weeks. We will update you when we have a precise date. In the meantime, here are a couple of images of the new building: …
  • benefits and money news
    Citizens Advice Available in Local Building Society Branches
    A partnership between Citizens Advice and Yorkshire Building Society is making advice available to more people in our area. The partnership sees Citizens Advice advisers hold free, impartial and confidential appointments in …
  • benefits and money news
    2023-24 Winter Energy Bills Support & Advice
    This article is part of Calderdale’s Winter 2023-24 Cost of Living Factsheet, a really useful guide published by Calderdale Council. Energy bills for gas and electricity will drop slightly this winter but will remain high. …
  • Digital skills training in Calderdale
    Unsure how to use a mouse and surf the internet? Do you want to develop your skills and confidence in the digital world? Available both at Heath Training Centre or out in the community, learning digital skills can help you in …
  • benefits and money news
    Local Support with Money and Council Tax
    Do you or anyone you know struggle to pay for food and fuel or need support with budgeting? Are you finding it difficult to pay your Council Tax or unsure what benefits you can claim? Calderdale Council’s Early Advice and …
  • benefits and money news
    Citizens Advice Calderdale Survey
    Citizens Advice Calderdale are working with partners to find out from residents how they’ve been affected by the increased cost of living.  This survey should take no more than 4 minutes to complete and will help them build …
  • Calderdale news
    Flood Warning Test – Sept 28th
    If you live in an area prone to flooding, it might be worth popping the 28th September in your diary. On that date, the Environment Agency will sound eight Flood Warning Sirens across the Upper Calder Valley between 11:00am – …
  • Calderdale news
    First Map of Halifax’s New Bus Station
    West Yorkshire Combined Authority, who are responsible for the project have released a map of the soon to be completed Halifax Bus Station. It will be part of a range of information that will be available ahead of the opening of …
  • Our Next Open Meeting – Tues 22 August
    Our next Open Meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd August 2023. We’d love you to join us for this friendly, sociable get together which is free to attend, includes a free buffet lunch and where you can also claim your travel expenses! …
  • Greener Women Sustainability Courses
    Greener Women Sustainability Courses are being held at the Women Centre Halifax Join their Greener Women Free Short Sustainability sessions to find out more about recycling and upcycling, reducing energy costs, reducing food …
  • Video: Shibden Park – Wheelchair Walk
    We recently paid a visit to Shibden Park, which is located just off the A58, a couple of miles from the centre of Halifax. The lower end of the park includes a cafe and we planned a visit to include a coffee and a walk around the …
  • Video: Manor Heath Park – Wheelchair Walk
    We recently paid a visit to Manor Heath Park, which is sandwiched between Skircoat Green and Savile Park, just outside the centre of Halifax.  Here’s a video that shows many of the paths and walkways of the venue, including …
  • Calderdale news
    Healthy Holidays Activities For kids
    Calderdale Sport Services have Healthy Holiday provision running at Mixenden Activity Centre and Todmorden Sports Centre. Cultural Services have provision running at Kings Cross Library, Akroyd Library, Bankfield Museum and …
  • Calderdale news
    Free WiFi at Halifax Borough Market
    You can now stay connected whilst browsing the lovely independent shops, cafes and eateries in Halifax Borough Market. Just look for ‘BM Guest’ in available networks – you will need an email address to join. …
  • Events: Rastrick “Scooter Socials”
    Following on from the success of our recent Shibden Scooter Social event, we are running three more short walks, suitable for wheelchairs, powered scooters and people with mobility issues. Each walk will be 1km long and is …
  • Calderdale news
    Train Station Ticket Office Closure Consultation
    You may have seen information over the last few days in the press about proposals to make changes at rail stations across the country, including proposals to close some train station ticket offices. Train operators have now …
  • Disability Pride Month Event
    Calderdale Council are holding a Disbaility Pride month event. Here’s what they have to say about it: Bring your own lunch and enjoy the lively and informal ‘positive about disability’ networking session. Hear from others …
  • Calderdale news
    Calderdale Disability Respite Service Praised
    Below is one of the positive comments in the latest Ofsted report for Calderdale Council’s Linden Brook short breaks service for children with disabilities and complex needs, which has been rated outstanding for the fifth year in …
  • Calderdale news
    Victoria Theatre To Gain 2 Accessible Toilets
    Calderdale Council have revealed plans to upgrade the Halifax Victoria theatre, including additional accessible toilets. Here is their press release on the plans: Plans to improve the facilities and visitor experience at the …
  • Calderdale news
    Free library book deliveries for people with disabilities
    Did you know, Calderdale Council delivers books for free to people who can’t get to a library due to ill health, disability, age or frailty, and to carers? The Home Library Service has gone from strength to strength over the last …
  • consultations
    Join The Council’s Citizens’ Panel
    The Council’s online Citizens’ Panel is called Talkback. They are currently recruiting new volunteers to ensure that the panel is representative of the broadest range of people who live in Calderdale. It’s a great way for local …
  • Calderdale news
    Is Your Android Phone Accidentally Calling 999?
    West Yorkshire Police is currently experiencing record high 999 call volumes. There may be a few reasons for this, but one in particular is having a significant impact – a recent update to Android smartphones, specifically …
  • Calderdale news
    Work Starts On New Mixenden Community Hub
    Work has started on construction of the new Mixenden Community Hub, in a major step towards a thriving future for north Halifax. The Hub will become the heart of the area, a place where residents can go to access community …
  • Calderdale news
    Report: Calderdale Council’s Annual Residents Survey
    The results from Calderdale Council’s annual residents survey are in. Here’s Calderdale Council’s own press release about the results, plus a link to the results themselves: The full results of the residents survey …
  • Calderdale news
    Burglary Prevention – Advice From West Yorkshire Police
    This is the latest advice from West Yorkshire Police: During the Summer months there tends to be an increase in insecure and sneak-in Burglary offences across the Calderdale District, with Suspects entering properties via open …
  • Video: Shibden Park – Wheelchair Walk
    We recently paid a visit to Shibden Park, which is located just off the A58, a couple of miles from the centre of Halifax. The lower end of the park includes a cafe and we planned a visit to include a coffee and a walk around the …
  • Calderdale news
    Calderdale Investment News
    This is Calderdale Council’s “Next Chapter” newsletter that looks at major projects in the area and reports on progress and future plans: ‘Calderdale is a great place to invest, with a distinctive and unique …
  • Calderdale news
    Garden Party Pictures
    Many thanks to the many people who joined us for our Coronation Garden Party, on Friday 5 May. We really enjoyed an afternoon of music, good food and excellent company!…
  • Healthy Minds Plans For Mental Health Awareness Week
    As you may know, Mental Health Awareness Week is fast approaching – 15-21 May. This year’s official theme is Anxiety, and Healthy Minds’ campaign has created a hashtag – #UnwindYourMind. Halifax based …
  • One Planet Festival At Arden Road Social Club
    Calderdale Green New Deal are organising a One Planet Festival on Saturday 13th May 1-4pm at Arden Road Social club.  This is a family activity day for the Park Ward community aimed at helping people understand and make …
  • Calderdale news
    How To Use Voter I.D. When You Vote
    From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This will apply to: Local elections Police and Crime Commissioner elections UK parliamentary by-elections From October …
  • health & nhs news
    Local Hospitals’ Offer More Support For Carers
    Calderdale and Huddersfield Hospitals are looking to provide more support for carers when the person they care for is taken in to hospital. This includes a really helpful and comprehensive leaflet that you can download, which …
  • Calderdale news
    Easter Recycling Dates
    Here are Calderdale’s recycling dates for Easter 2023.  …
  • consultations
    Share Your Views On Real Time Bus Info Text Service
    West Yorkshire’s Combined Authority want you to share your views on their text message real time information service! Here’s what they are asking: Do you use our real time text message service to find out when your …
  • benefits and money news
    Pet Food Bank Launched In Halifax
    Here for owners in need. Halifax Fridge community Pet Food Bank is now open in Halifax. If you’re struggling to feed your pet, please pop in and pick up some free pet food. They won’t ask you for a referral or any personal …
  • Calderdale news
    Council Reveals First Details of 2023-24 Budget
    Calderdale Council have released details of what they are calling a “Strong and robust budget for the future.” Here’s what the Council had to say about the budget in their press release: Balancing the books to …
  • Calderdale news
    Video: Why Does Calderdale Flood?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5_nGyx6efk There are many different reasons why an area might flood but in Calderdale we are particularly at risk. Calderdale’s unique landscape makes it particularly vulnerable to floods. …
  • Calderdale news
    Police Testing Drivers’ Eyesight
    West Yorkshire Police will be conducting voluntary roadside vision checks between 27 February – 12 March 2023 as part of a nationwide initiative to remind motorists they have a legal responsibility to ensure their vision is …
  • Luddendenfoot Community Cafe & Centre
    Enjoy Community Hub is based at Tenterfields Business Park, Luddendenfoot (postcode HX2 6EQ) where there is a Community Cafe which is open on Wednesdays 2-4pm. They offer teas, coffee, hot chocolate, juice etc. prices range from …
  • consultations
    Halifax Regeneration – Have Your Say
    Calderdale Council are currently planning the next steps of their regeneration in Halifax. They’re planning on creating new public spaces improving accessibility, creating areas where people can move around free of traffic, …
  • Film Calderdale & Other “Happy Valley” Legacies
    After Happy Valley gripped the nation and reached its dramatic finale on Sunday 5 February, its impact will live on across Calderdale, and the Council has some exciting launches in store to harness the success of filming. With …
  • benefits and money news
    Cost of Living Support From Calderdale Council
    Many more people than ever before are experiencing money worries with the increased cost of living. Calderdale Council’s Money & Wellbeing web pages are updated regularly and cover all money related matters. Whether you are …
  • International Women’s Day – Happy Valley Panel Event
    On March 10th to mark International Women’s Day, Halifax MP Holly Lynch will be hosting a special Happy Valley panel event. She will be joined by Mollie Winnard who played Joanna Hepworth in Happy Valley series 3, Lisa …
  • Todmorden Library Coffee Mornings
    Tod in a Teacup is a new weekly coffee morning starting on Monday February 27th at Todmorden Library – join them anytime between 10am – 12pm in the Reading Room for coffee, cake and a chat.…
  • Magic Moments: Calderdale Music’s New Community Group
    This is a friendly community singing group for those who love to sing to their favourite songs, evoking past memories and reliving those times together.  Coming together in song helps well-being and brain activity whilst being a …
  • Calderdale Libraries’ History Podcast
    Welcome to a podcast by Calderdale Libraries! Each month they will be bringing you fabulous guests along with stories and facts from Calderdale’s weird and wonderful past. With over 22 episodes to date, covering a many …
  • Ward Forums – Having Your Say On Local Issues
    Do you want to have your say about local issues that are important to you? Comment on schools, roads, street cleaning and anything else that concerns you, directly to councillor and senior council staff? Get feedback on what …
  • Calderdale news
    Calderdale Facts & Figures
    Calderdale Council have recently shared some interesting and insightful key facts about our borough and local authority. The document includes census results from 2021 and information about the workforce and their performance …
  • New Clothing Exhibition – Bankfield Museum
    Opening the Wardrobe: On display now in Bankfield Museum’s Fashion Gallery A unique exhibition celebrating women’s clothes and the stories they tell. This exclusive exhibition features highlights from the private collection …
  • Calderdale news
    What is voter identification and what will voters need to know?
    There are key changes to our electoral system just around the corner, with the advent of Voter ID. Bring your ID to vote You need to bring photographic ID to vote at polling stations for the local elections on 4 May 2023 – this …
  • Calderdale news
    How to get access to a digital device and the internet
    If you cannot afford a device such as a mobile phone or laptop, local organisations might be able to help you access or loan one or point you in the right direction. Digital Access West Yorkshire (accesswy.org) also matches …
  • Calderdale Community Clothes Exchange
    Please put Saturday 4th March 10am-2pm in your diaries and come and support the Calderdale Community Clothes Exchange!…
  • Happy Days Charity Dog Walk
    Calderdale homeless charity, Happy Days, are running a sponsored dog walk at Norland park, raising money for their charitable and social enterprise activities. Full details of how to take part are on the poster below. WHAT WILL …
  • Staying Well: Stay Warm Event
    This free event from Staying Well will help you to save money and stay warm, plus there’s a free lunch thrown in. sounds great!…
  • Healthy Holidays Calderdale: Half-Term Fun!
    Calderdale’s Healthy Holidays Half Terms provides enriching activities, delicious nutritious meals, and a chance for young people to meet new friends in a safe & fun environment, during the school holidays. The next set of …
  • benefits and money news
    Scam Alerts: Police Impersonation & Lifeline Scams
    Lifeline Scam We heard recently of a Calderdale-resident who has a Lifeline and key safe. She received a phone call from a company calling themselves ‘Medical Health Services’ calling from an 0203 number. They told her “we are in …
  • Cooking Course For Adults With Learning Disabilities
    The Cooking for Beginners course is for adults with learning disabilities who would like to learn to bake and cook in a lively and fun environment. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends while learning lots of …
  • Calderdale news
    Flood Alerts – Eye On Calderdale!
      Did you know almost 5 million people in England are at risk of flooding? Even if you don’t live near a river, you may be affected by surface water flooding. Find out about the steps you can take to reduce your flood risk …
  • Upcoming Events At Halifax Minster
    Halifax Minster are starting to hold a Crafternoon Tea from 3rd Feb. 1.30pm. Free craft activities and refreshments. Booking via the Minster Office. Also holding a Youth Brass Band Festival on 4 th February from 1 to 5pm. …
  • Our Next Open Meeting: Tuesday 28th February 2023
    Our next Open Meeting will be on Tuesday 28th February 2022. We’d love you to join us for this friendly, sociable get together which is free to attend, includes a free buffet lunch and where you can also claim your travel …
  • health & nhs news
    Live Healthier With The Better Living Service
    Would you like to improve your health and wellbeing?  Do you feel you need some support to get started?  The Better Living Service are here to do just that!  They support the residents of Calderdale (aged 18+) to lose weight, …
  • health & nhs news
    Local Hospitals’ Support For Carers
    Calderdale and Huddersfield Hospitals, which work closely together, have provided a couple of useful documents to help carers get the best support, if the person they care for is taken in to hospital. This includes a really …
  • New Accessible Music Group
    Calderdale Music are starting a group called Rhythm & Brews Music Group. It’s for adults of any age, no musical experience necessary. They welcome people with additional needs, English as a second language etc. It’s …
  • benefits and money news
    Renewing Your Blue Badge or Concessionary Bus Pass In Calderdale
    To make an appointment to complete a Blue Badge or Concessionary Bus Pass application, please phone: 01422 288011. Alternatively, you can apply online via the Council Website For anything else you can visit in person at Customer …
  • benefits and money news
    Visiting Calderdale Council’s Customer First Service In Person
    If you need help with any council service or have a complaint, then you can now call into the Customer First Service points as follows: Halifax To make an appointment to complete a Blue Badge or Concessionary Bus Pass …
  • Calderdale news
    Voter ID – Are You Ready?
    From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This will apply to: Local elections Police and Crime Commissioner elections UK parliamentary by-elections …
  • benefits and money news
    Warm Spaces Directories – Calderdale & Beyond
    Calderdale council have created a map of all the “Warm Spaces” in the area. These are venues of various kinds, including libraries, where people can go to find a warm and welcoming place to go to relax, work or just …
  • New Walking Football Sessions – Halifax
  • health & nhs news
    Better Living Service – Lose Weight, Get Fitter
    Would you like to improve your health and wellbeing? Do you feel you need some support to get started? Calderdale Council’s Better Living Service (BLS) supports Calderdale residents (aged 18+) to lose weight, become more …
  • Free Digital Drop In Sessions
    Do you need somewhere to access online services? The HOT Employment team hosts a free digital access drop-in every Friday from 9.30am – 12.30pm, at Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre, Halifax HX1 5PG, where you can login to your …
  • Date Announced for Halifax Charity Gala
    This year’s Halifax Charity Gala will be on Saturday 10th June 2023. The venue is once again expected to be Manor Heath Park: Manor Heath Road Savile Park Halifax HX3 0EB Keep up to date with Halifax Charity Gala w …
  • Calderdale news
    DART To Close
    The Calderdale disability services & support organisation, DART, will be closing at the end of March 2023. As a result, DART will no longer be in a position to take on any new clients from January 2023. They will still be …
  • Calderdale news
    Calderdale’s Winter Wise Booklet
    Residents of Calderdale should have received a Winter Wise booklet through the post, packed with useful advice on how to stay well, travel safely, protect your home and find out about the support available to help with the cost …
  • Calderdale news
    Key Calderdale Schools To Be Updated
    Thousands of Calderdale pupils are set to see their schools transform, after the Government announced the next phase of its 10-year School Rebuilding Programme. Eleven Calderdale schools will be rebuilt or refurbished, bringing …
  • health & nhs news
    Warm Spaces Update – Lee Mount Baptist Church
    A new warm space has been created by Lee Mount Baptist Church  (18 Melbourne St, Halifax HX3 5DF) to offer their building to the local community who may want to stay warm this winter and reduce how much heating they are using in …
  • benefits and money news
    Worrying About Money Leaflet
    Access the Calderdale ‘Worrying about money?’ Leaflet The Calderdale ‘Worrying about money?’ leaflet is a straightforward resource for people facing financial crisis and support workers to quickly see available cash …
  • Calderdale news
    Pete Hoey Stands Down As HSB Chief Officer
    Pete Hoey, Chief Officer for Halifax Society For The Blind (HSB) is to stand down at the end of December. He’s released a statement looking back at his time in the role: “I wanted to pass on my gratitude to everybody …
  • Calderdale news
    Staying Safe On The Road In Winter
    Are you prepared for the dark days and icy roads ahead this month? If you have to travel, please put safety first and make sure you and your vehicle are well prepared to keep everyone as safe as possible. Here’s some …
  • Accessible Visit to Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve
    For those who don’t know where Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve is or want to know exactly what to expect before visiting, Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group have created two self-guided walking booklets and a video. Accessible to all …
  • Calderdale news
    Calderdale Forum 50 Plus Newsletter
    Our friends at Calderdale Forum 50 Plus put out a monthly newsletter aimed at older people and their families and friends in Calderdale. You can view the latest copy online here As ever, you should also pop over to their …
  • benefits and money news
    Join Calderdale Direct Payments User Group
    Do you or someone you care for receive a Direct Payment from Calderdale Council? Or are you interested in finding out more about Direct Payments? Calderdale Direct Payments User Group meets on-line on the 3rd Wednesday of every …
  • Calderdale news
    Quick Tips To Make Your Home More Secure
    West Yorkshire Police’s Easy Street campaign is highlighting poor home security and offering some quick and simple tips to make your house more secure. https://youtu.be/zblhu3AMus4 Think about your own home. Is it inviting …
  • Calderdale news
    Preparing for Adulthood In Calderdale For People With a Learning Disability
    What Next in Calderdale – Preparing for Adulthood is a booklet from Calderdale Council which provides information about the supportive framework available from the Council for young people aged 18+ with a learning …
  • health & nhs news
    Active Calderdale – Seated Exercise Video
    As part of the Active Calderdale programme, which we signed up to in November 2022, we have worked in conjunction with VAC (Voluntary action Calderdale) to produce a video of seated exercises. It’s presented by Julie Stott …
  • Community Transport Calderdale – An Alternative To Taxis
    Community Transport Calderdale’s Peter Hancock was a very welcome visitor to our November 2022 Open Meeting. He explained the various services offered by Community Transport Calderdale (CTC) and fielded questions from our …
  • Warm Space – Salvation Army Brighouse
    The Salvation Army, Brighouse is the latest organisation to offer a Warm Welcome Space in Calderdale. They are open Wednesday 9.30am – 1pm during which time they offer hot drinks and activities available throughout the morning. …
  • Piece Hall Christmas Events
    Christmas is a high point in the Piece Hall’s calendar and this year they’ve got a great line-up of activities: Ice SkatingThe lights are on, the tree is up and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The …
  • Our Christmas Party – 20th December
    Disability Partnership Calderdale would like to invite you along to our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY. It’s totally free to attend and includes a big Christmas buffet. Once again, we will be back at the popular Old Rishworthians …