Community events lie at the heart of the Crossgates Good Neighbours Scheme, bringing people together to share experiences, build friendships, and create a stronger, more connected neighbourhood. Whether it's a regular coffee morning, a seasonal celebration, or a one-off outing, these gatherings offer something for everyone and help to combat loneliness and isolation. On this page you'll find an overview of the types of events we run, why they matter, and how you can get involved – including our regularly updated events diary where you can see what's coming up next.

The Role of Community Events in a Good Neighbours Scheme

A Good Neighbours Scheme is built on the simple idea that people are happier and healthier when they feel part of a community. While many of our services focus on practical help – such as transport to appointments or assistance with shopping – community events play a different but equally vital role. They provide a relaxed, social space where residents of all ages can meet, chat, and enjoy each other's company without any pressure or formality.

For many people, particularly those who live alone or have limited mobility, the chance to attend a local event can be the highlight of the week. It offers a reason to get out of the house, a change of scenery, and the opportunity to see familiar faces. Over time, these regular gatherings help to build trust and mutual support, turning a group of neighbours into a genuine community.

Types of Events Typically Organised

The Crossgates Good Neighbours Scheme organises a varied programme of events throughout the year, designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities. While the specific calendar changes from month to month, the following types of activities are common:

• Coffee mornings and social afternoons – informal drop-in sessions with tea, coffee, and homemade cakes. These are often held in a local hall or community centre and are a great way to meet new people.
• Exercise and wellbeing classes – gentle seated exercise, yoga, or dance sessions tailored to older adults. These not only improve physical health but also boost mental wellbeing. See our Extend exercise class page for more details on one such regular session.
• Outings and day trips – occasional coach trips to places of interest, garden centres, or seaside towns. These are always popular and give members the chance to enjoy a day out without the hassle of organising transport themselves.
• Seasonal celebrations – events around Christmas, Easter, summer fairs, or harvest festivals. These often include a meal, entertainment, or a raffle and are a wonderful way to mark the changing seasons together.
• Interest groups and workshops – craft sessions, book clubs, gardening groups, or talks on local history. These cater to specific hobbies and encourage skill-sharing among neighbours.

Of course, not every event fits neatly into one category – many combine elements of several. The key is that there is always something happening, and everyone is welcome to attend as much or as little as they like.

How Events Are Planned and Run

Organising a successful community event takes a lot of behind-the-scenes effort, and the Crossgates Good Neighbours Scheme relies on a dedicated team of volunteers to make it all happen. From booking venues and arranging refreshments to publicising the event and setting up on the day, every task is carried out by people who give their time freely for the benefit of others.

The planning process usually begins with an idea – perhaps suggested by a member, a volunteer, or a local organisation. The team then works out the practical details: date, time, location, cost, and any special requirements such as accessibility or dietary needs. Once everything is confirmed, the event is added to the events diary on this page so that the whole community can see what's coming up.

Community events are the glue that holds a neighbourhood together – they turn strangers into friends and houses into homes.

If you have an idea for an event or would like to help with planning, we'd love to hear from you. Simply use the contact details on our main page or speak to any volunteer at a future event.

The Benefits of Attending Community Events

The benefits of taking part in community events are wide-ranging and well-documented. On a personal level, regular social interaction has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness, lower stress levels, and improve overall mental health. For older adults, staying socially active can also help to maintain cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia.

But the advantages extend beyond the individual. When people come together regularly, they develop a sense of belonging and shared identity. This creates a more resilient community where neighbours look out for one another, share information, and offer support in times of need. In short, community events are not just a nice extra – they are an essential part of building a caring and connected society.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved with Crossgates Good Neighbours Scheme events, whether you simply want to attend or would like to play a more active role. Here are a few suggestions:

• Come along to an event – check the events diary below for upcoming dates and just turn up. You'll be warmly welcomed, and there's no need to book in advance for most of our regular sessions.
• Become a volunteer – help with setting up, serving refreshments, driving members to and from events, or simply being a friendly face to chat to. Even an hour of your time can make a big difference.
• Suggest an event – if there's something you'd love to see happen in Crossgates, let us know. We're always open to new ideas and will do our best to make them a reality.
• Spread the word – tell your friends, family, and neighbours about what's going on. The more people who know about our events, the stronger our community becomes.

For some events, especially those involving physical activity, you may want to wear something comfortable. Our Comfortable clothes page has some helpful tips on what to wear to make the most of your participation.

Upcoming Events Diary

Below you will find our regularly updated events diary, showing all the events planned for the coming weeks and months. We aim to keep this page current, but please check back often as new events are added all the time. If you know of something we've missed – perhaps a local group is hosting an event that would interest our members – please contact us via the articles archive page or use the form on our main site to let us know.

Currently there are no specific events listed in the diary, but that doesn't mean nothing is happening! Our regular weekly and monthly activities continue as usual, and special events are often announced at short notice. To stay up to date, we recommend checking this page frequently, following our social media channels, or attending one of our regular coffee mornings where announcements are made.

If you would like to see what has been organised in the past, take a look at our Extend exercise class page for a recurring event, or browse the Links page for further information about local community groups.

Why Your Participation Matters

Every person who attends a community event contributes to its success simply by being there. Your presence helps to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, encourages others to join in, and demonstrates that Crossgates is a place where people care about one another. Whether you come for the conversation, the company, or just the cup of tea, you are making a difference.

So why not take a look at the diary, pick an event that appeals to you, and come along? We'd be delighted to see you – and you might just make a new friend or discover a new interest. After all, good neighbours are made, not born, and community events are where that making happens.

Written by Good Neighbours