Clubs and groups for 60+

Clubs and groups for 60+

group of men

Do you sometimes feel that you are on your own and have less contact with friends or family than you would like to? You may have lost the confidence to go out or feel cut off from others.

Loneliness and isolation are feelings that we can all experience, but it can be worse when you are older.

Our Golden Years groups are for people aged 60 + and are a chance to join like-minded individuals for tea, a chat, a chance to knit or sew, a game of cards or to get support with using your tablet or mobile phone.

Come and build new friendships or even rekindle some old ones! We can also recommend other groups that may be of interest.


If you're interested, give us a call and we’ll arrange an appointment on 0330 054 2500 or email goldenyears@dabd.org.uk

Current groups that we run:

Monday

Men’s Group

Full-sized snooker table, cards, board games and darts.

10.30am – 12.30pm

Fanshawe Community Complex,
Barnmead Road,
Dagenham,
RM9 5DX

Tuesday

Social Club

Socialise, chat and meet new people.

9.30am – 12pm

Fanshawe Community Complex,
Barnmead Road,
Dagenham,
RM9 5DX


Wednesday

Sewing & Craft Group

Learn to knit, sew or crochet or show others how.

10.00am – 1:00pm

Dawson Hall,
330 Hedgemans Road,
Dagenham,
RM9 6BX

Wednesday

Social Club

Socialise, chat and meet new people.

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Sue Bramley Centre,
Bastable Avenue,
Barking,
IG11 0LG


Thursday

Social Club

Socialise, chat and meet new people.

10.30am – 12.30pm

Dawson Hall,
330 Hedgemans Road,
Dagenham,
RM9 6BX

Thursday

Social Club

Socialise, chat and meet new people.

11.30pm - 2.00pm

New Avenue Social Club,
231 Dagenham Road,
Dagenham,
RM7 OTP


Loretta's Story

Loretta was referred to us by her social worker as she was feeling very isolated at home and her chronic arthritis was impacting on her life. She is a few years younger than our usual participants but on meeting her it was clear that she was desperate to get out of the house.

She was depressed and had undergone counselling but still felt very low. With no family around and only one close friend her world had become very small. She felt she needed something for me.”

After meeting one of our Project Officers Loretta started to attend our groups at Dawson Hall on Wednesday and Thursday each week. She looks forward to the groups and has become a very chatty participant. She has made a patchwork quilt and has had support to use her iPad.

She added “I love being able to go on the outings and social events and I am looking forward to the holiday this year in July with Golden Years, above all Golden Years has given me hope and perspective for the future."

Barry's Story

When we first met Barry, he had been retired for approximately 2 years from a full time job in London, he was independent and supported his elderly mother who lived nearby. Barry explained that as time went on, he was beginning to feel depressed leaving him anxious. In our first meeting with Barry he said he would like to meet new people and be able to help others and feel useful again.

He began to attend a small informal group to learn how to use a Tablet. The majority of Barry’s family live in Australia and he was interested to learn how to use Skype to communicate with them. Barry is now in regular contact with his sister and her family in Oz and is able to speak to them as well as receiving and sending photographs, this has brought both him and his elderly mother a great deal of pleasure.

Barry also has had an interesting life as a Master Tailor and he was encouraged to share skills to teach several members in the group how to crochet. Barry’s involvement and cooperation within the group has continued to grow. He is an asset to the project and is extremely grateful for the support that he has received. Barry’s self-confidence has improved greatly, he is looking forward to what the future holds for him.


Resource Material:

There is a wealth of information available on the internet around tackling social isolation. Some good resources can be found in the links and documents below.

https://www.scie.org.uk/publications/ataglance/ataglance60.asp