On 30 January, Time to Shine was invited to be part of the Happy Panda’s Launch event, co-hosted by Lychee Red Seniors. 

Happy Panda is a new men’s group that will be meeting on Mondays and Tuesdays to sing, chat, cook, learn English and enjoy each other’s company. The group is one of the Small Funds latest projects and organised by Man Chiu Leung who expertly cooked much of the food for this event. 

Mr. Chiu told us that there is a real need for the Happy Panda group as a lot of older Chinese men stop cooking for themselves once they retire and also struggle with isolation if they don’t speak English. 

The purpose of the group is for them to be able to learn English through the medium of song as well as encouraging them to cook and eat together. Mr. Chiu has worked as a chef and in adult education and feels he can really bring those skills to this group.

Today’s event was a tantalising preview of what Happy Panda’s participants will get to enjoy. A good turnout, including two local councillors, enjoyed some lovely singing, beautiful dancing from local children and copious amounts of home-cooked food. There was great conversation and sharing of stories and some exciting fireworks to ring in the New Year!

Happy Panda in conjunction with Time to Shine will be working to reduce loneliness and isolation in older men. It is open to all men who have an interest in cooking, singing or learning English. The group will meet on a Monday and Tuesday every week.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Mr Chiu on manchiuleung@hotmail.com or ring Time to Shine on 0113 244 1697.