‘It's the highlight of their week’: Leeds men find friendship at breakfast club

A Wetherby charity’s weekly breakfast club is helping tackle loneliness and bring men together over a bacon bap and a brew.

The Men’s Breakfast Club was set up by Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) in response to demand for support among isolated men of all ages.

Every Friday, men gather at the WiSE Owl Café at Boston Spa Village Hall to chat, share stories and enjoy some company.

The group now has 17 members from Boston Spa, Wetherby, Clifford and Walton – with men from a wide range of backgrounds coming together.

Gavin Davies, 64, from Boston Spa, has been involved since the club began in June last year.

He said the idea came about after the cafe's previous manager noticed several men regularly sitting alone in the cafe.

She approached Gavin and his friend Ian, who were already regulars, and the pair helped get the new group off the ground.

Gavin said: “We now have seventeen members from Boston Spa, Wetherby, Clifford and Walton. Gentlemen have come together and friendships have been made.

“Conversation is very varied and the personalities shine through. Many of us have been drawn to the club for different reasons, but one thing that unites us is good company in a relaxed, supportive environment.

“As the group has expanded we often now meet in the main hall – it's good to have that facility. The gents keep coming back.

“I think they would highlight the camaraderie of the group, and the welcoming environment.”

The group includes a retired builder from Bradford, an ex-Etonian and men with backgrounds in insurance, IT, sales, education and medicine, as well as a retired master butcher.

Gavin said the conversations can cover everything from memories and grief to the highs and lows of everyday life.

He added: “They come to talk and to listen. The conversations are hugely varied – nothing is off the table and one of the most refreshing things for me is how much people have been prepared to share.

“Memories, grief, highs and lows. Reminiscence, the past, the present and the future.

“Some of the group have been kind enough to describe the club as the highlight of their week.”

He is now encouraging any men who might be considering joining to give the group a try.

Gavin said: “I'd encourage them to give it a go – we are very welcoming.

“If you try it and don't like it, you don't have to come again. But if you do like it, keep on coming.”

He also paid tribute to the WiSE staff and volunteers who help run the cafe and breakfast club.

He said: “I'd like to thank staff and all the volunteers who make it happen – in the kitchen, making cakes, serving, front of house – the many in the background.

“We are very grateful for everything they do. The food and drinks are excellent, and the homemade cakes are wonderful – something for everyone.”

Men of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join the group every Friday from 10.15am at the WiSE Owl Café at Boston Spa Village Hall.

For more information, visit www.w-ise.org.uk or email [email protected].