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Finding friends
When you get older, you may find that your friends and family become fewer or that you see them more infrequently. This can be for many reasons, such as bereavement, ill health, disability or simply due to people moving away from the area that you live in. It may be that you are living alone for the first time in many years if your partner has passed away, or your relationship has ended for other reasons, such as divorce.
Loneliness and isolation can be a huge problem for older people and it can have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing and health. In this section we have provided information about some ways in which you can meet new people and make friends.
Friendship
Hobbies - There are many ways in which you can make new friends; the most obvious being to join a group of like-minded people. You can do this by thinking about the things that you enjoy doing and finding a group that you can join. If you don’t have a hobby, try reading the following sections for some ideas:
Hobbies
Fitness
Lifelong learning
Holidays – Travelling alone may seem daunting at first, but there are many travel companies that specialise in organising holidays for older or single people. Visit our section on Taking a holiday for more detailed information about how to arrange a trip or find a holiday that suits your needs.
Local clubs and community centres – If you don’t want to travel too far, there should be plenty of opportunities in your local area to meet new people and spend time in other people’s company. Visit our Where you live section for details of groups in the area you live in. You may also like to see our information on Day centres and lunch groups.
Volunteering – This is great way to meet new people and also to give something back to your community at the same time. Our section on Volunteering will give you some ideas about ways in which you can give your time. Volunteering is also an excellent way of learning new skills and building up your confidence.
Befriending
If you are isolated and are unable to get out and about, you may benefit from a befriending service. This means that a volunteer will visit you, usually in your own home, to provide you with some company. Some services offer telephone befriending, which involves a volunteer contacting you for a chat over the telephone on a regular basis. We have listed here some organisations that may be able to provide you with a befriender:
Action Befriending supports isolated older people by matching them with an appropriate volunteer befriender who provides good company and companionship in your home or out in the community. You must be aged over 50 and in need of companionship due to social isolation. For further information, contact Action Befriending using the details given below.
Caring Hands is a charity whose mission is to sustain the independence and quality of life of older and disabled people living in the East End of Newcastle. They provide a wide range of services designed to help older and disabled people to live independently and to improve their quality of life. To find out more about their befriending service, visit the Caring Hands website, or contact them using the details given below.
Independent Age is a charity which helps older people on low incomes to live with independence and dignity in their later years. They give priority to people who have made a significant contribution to their community during their lives. They can offer practical support to enable people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible and to lead full and active lives. As well as many other services, IndependentAge can provide volunteer visitors. For further information, contact them using the details given below, or visit the Independent Age website.
The Universal Beneficent Society (UBS) is a national charity that provides lifelong friendship and financial support to people aged 65 years old and over who live on a low income. They provide assistance through a range of services including financial grants, information and support, companionship through volunteer visitors and telephone buddies, winter food hampers, newsletters, social events and day trips. Contact Janet Wilkinson, the Regional Development Officer on Tyneside, to find out more on telephone number 0191 264 1343.
West End Befrienders is a voluntary organisation which operates in the West End of Newcastle. The aim of the project is to help frail, older and disabled people to live more independently within the community. Their befrienders are all local volunteers who make regular calls and act as friends to either support the people they visit in their own homes, or to accompany them to access local services and facilities, such as shops or medical appointments. For further information, contact them using the details given below, or visit the West End Befrienders website.
Other useful information
The Mature Times offers a service called Mature Connections for finding friends or relationships. It's a confidential service that puts you in touch with people who share your outlook, passions, tastes, hobbies and interests. For further information, or to place an advertisement, contact them using the details given below, or visit the Mature Times website.
Outsiders is a self-help group for people of all ages with physical and social disabilities. They offer members the chance to contact others, gain more confidence, make new friends and perhaps find a partner. They welcome people of all sexualities, whether they are single, divorced, separated or married, and discriminate against no one. Members are given a list of others that they can make contact with, receive regular newsletters and the opportunity to attend social events. For further information, visit the Outsiders website.
DropBy - the social networking site for the over 60s and their families
Information NOW section Finding a partner
Contact Information
Action Befriending
The CastleGate, Melbourne Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2JQ.
Telephone : 0191 231 3113.
Email : befriending@actionfoundation.org.uk
Caring Hands
34 Wretham Place, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1XU.
Telephone : 0191 261 5234, Fax : 0191 261 5251.
Email : caringhands.charity@btinternet.com
Independent Age
PO Box 373, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5WD.
Telephone : 0191 236 5039, Fax : 0191 236 5039.
Email : kay.white@independentage.org.uk
Mature Connections
Highwood House, Winters Lane, Redhill, Bristol, BS40 5SH.
Telephone : 08700 170 605.
Email : caroline.watts@maturetimes.co.uk
West End Befrienders
St John's House, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9PQ.
Telephone : 0191 272 4414, Fax : 0191 272 4414.
Email : info@westendbefrienders.org.uk
Article last updated January 22, 2012 8:28 pm
