Loneliness and social isolation can affect every member of the community. However, older people are especially vulnerable due to illness, reduced mobility and loss of friends and family. Many studies have proven that loneliness and social isolation can seriously impact on an individual’s general health, quality of life and mental health.
According to Age UK, there are over 2 million people living alone over the age of 75. More than a million of these say they go over a month without speaking to anyone.
Joining a social club or attending activities organised by local community groups is a great way to get out of the house and meet other people who might be in the same situation. Take a look below to find out what is happening near you
Brendoncare Clubs
Brendoncare is a charity that promotes various clubs and organisation for older people to minimise social isolation.
Click on the link to see the wide range of clubs available (a small selection are listed below)
http://www.brendoncare.org.uk/clubs/our-clubs/hampshire
- Fareham silver tops club for arts & crafts, quizzes etc.
- Fareham friendship
- Fareham lunch
- Fareham games group
- Gosport Friday arts & crafts
- Gosport Cinema Club meets on the last Saturday of every month
- Havant – garden centre club
- Gosport laugh and limber
- Gosport Sunday sing-a-long
Knit and natter group
A group in Lee-on-the-Solent who knit and enjoy a good natter! They meet on Fridays between 2-4pm in the Lowry Room in St Faith’s Parish Centre. For more information, call Anne Earl on 023 9255 1687 or click on the link below
http://stfaithslee.org/knit-and-natter/
WI groups
The Women’s Institute was formed in 1915 and is now the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK. It provides the chance to form friendships, take part in community activities and attend regular social gatherings. Click on the link below to find your nearest WI and get in touch with them.
https://www.thewi.org.uk/wis-a-z?postcode=PO16+7AN&maxdist=
Rotary International
The first club was found in 1905 and has now branched into a worldwide network. Rotary clubs organise regular activities within their local community. Get in touch with your local Rotary organisation by using the link below – whether to join and volunteer or to attend one of their events
http://www.rotarygbi.org/club-finder/results/?club=fareham
Contact the Elderly
A national charity that aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation through various events including monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties. The link below provides information on how to get in touch with your local Contact the Elderly centre
http://www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/about-us/locations/south-west
Independent Age
By filling out the form on the link below, Independent Age will send you personalised information about free social groups/activities that are occurring local to you
Right at Home Solent – Companionship calls
At Right at Home Solent, we don’t believe in the old fashioned ‘sit-in’ calls. Our CareGivers enjoy interacting with our clients and engaging in interesting conversations with them. Our CareGivers are keen to learn what stimulates our clients and take part in activities that they will enjoy. We can even look up some social groups or activities near you and take you there and back. Feel free to get in touch with one of the team on 01329 233755 to discuss further.
