Clubs and groups for 60+

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.