City-wide initiative to support older residents adds 10 specially designed benches in Cheetham Hill, with more to follow in other wards
Ten new benches have been unveiled in Cheetham Hill, just north of Manchester city centre, as part of the city’s wider Age Friendly programme. There are already Age Friendly benches in other parts of the city, including in Whalley Range. A further 49 benches will be rolled out to other parts of the city in due course.
Photo courtesy of Manchester City Council
The location of each bench has been carefully considered, on routes between local amenities, services and transport. It’s a simple, effective way to support older people’s independence – though of course people of any age can use the benches.
To decide on locations in Cheetham Hill, the Age Friendly team consulted older residents and community groups. This collaborative approach strengthens local networks as well as supporting older people to maintain active, connected and fulfilling lives in their community. That’s important given that more than 400 residents in the relatively small Cheetham Hill are aged 66 and over.
Sites include a new bench near the medical and advice centre on Levenhurst Road and one by the mosque, guidance hub, post office and church around Waterloo Road and Bellott Street.
The Age Friendly project received £170,000 to install new benches from the Clean and Green campaign – a £15m investment project launched in July 2024 to improve Manchester’s neighbourhoods and make them eco-friendly.
Norman Goodman, a resident of Cheetham Hill, says: ‘It’s a very good idea to have the benches, because I’m 75 years-old. I have a few health problems, I use a walking stick so to me it’s good, because I need to stop at times. Before the benches were installed, I had to use a bus stop. I can sit down for 10 mins now and that can apply for hundreds of other people too.
‘A lot of people need extra support to sit down when they are out shopping and having a walk. Pregnant women and disabled people all need the extra help. The area is not affluent, so any improvement is good for the environment and the appearance.’
Elaine Unegbu, Chair of Age-Friendly, adds: ‘The installation of ageing-friendly benches were done with community members input in the decision making and they therefore feel a strong sense of ownership.AF benches serve as resting places, reduces isolation and loneliness, improves exercise and has a positive impact on improving health and wellbeing. They also facilitate socialising and building relationships across the generations.’
Cllr Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, says: ‘We care deeply that all our residents are considered and see themselves reflected in the communities they live in. That is why the Age-Friendly Benches programme is so important, because it is giving older people the confidence to make their way around our towns and parks.
‘I’m really pleased to see how closely we’ve worked with older residents to ensure their needs are met and that they can now enjoy their local neighbourhood to the fullest.’
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