While some people thrive on being on their own, others need social contact. Communities have become more fragmented and lives are busier. It can be hard to have meaningful contact.
There are still ways to make friends and modern technology provides new opportunities.
Community activities and volunteering
- Taking up an adult learning course or joining group exercise classes can help you to meet people. Find strength and balance classes at BeWellCambridgeshire.co.uk.
- Cambridgeshire Libraries have events and activities which can support wellbeing.
- Our Child and Family Centres provide support and activities for families with children
- Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough has day centres across the county. Information officers can provide details of local services and support.
- Care Network Community Navigators can help you to find out about events and services in your community.
- Lifecraft supports people who have experience of mental health difficulties in their lives. Support includes creative groups and social activities.
- Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Community Hubs Network provides friendly spaces run by volunteers to support residents of East and South Cambs and Fenland. All are welcome to come along for free refreshments and a chance to socialise.
How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a family of websites that bring together:
- local things to do with information about what to expect when you get there;
- opportunities to connect with others, be active, learn, get creative, explore the outdoors, volunteer and lots more;
- places to get a wide range of support.
Find out more on the How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough website.
How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust initiative.
Help to get out
- Eddie's has a befriending scheme to help young people with learning disabilities to take part in activities in their community
- Re-engage (previously known as Contact the Elderly) organises regular social gatherings for over-75s. Visit the Re-engage website and go to 'Join a group'.
- Royal Voluntary Service has volunteers who support older people to be independent at home, and active in their communities. Royal Volunteer Service also organises social activities in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Earith and St Ives.
- Independent Age offers a befriending service which can include phone calls and face to face meetings. You can also join in social activities.
Stay connected at home
Are you unable to get out and about? Or do you want to stay in touch with friends and family who live a long way away? Technology and services can help.
Mobile warden services
Mobile, or community warden services can visit, or call you regularly. They can help with things like:
- listening to your concerns and providing information and guidance
- telling you about local community services
- getting small items of shopping
- collecting prescriptions
- reading post or making phone calls for you
- supporting your safety and wellbeing
There may be a charge for the service. You can find details of local mobile wardens on the South Cambridgeshire District Council website. There is information on mobile wardens across Cambridgeshire on the Age UK website.
Embracing technology
- Do you have a friend or neighbour who can help you to get online and use the internet? Cambridgeshire libraries have 'digital buddies' who can help you to develop computer skills. They can show you how to connect with friends and family through email, or social media.
- Social media can be a great way of staying in touch with friends and family. You can see photos, send messages, even see young relatives grow up.
- Friends of the Elderly offers a telephone befriending service, where a volunteer will call at least every fortnight. Call 0330 332 1110, or email hello@fote.org.uk for more information.
- The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline offering information, advice and friendship to older people. Call any time - it is a 24 hour service - on 0800 4 70 80 90
- Cambridgeshire libraries offer Engage - regular online events for the over-50s.
Someone to visit you at home
- Cambridgeshire Libraries also offers the Library at Home service - a network of volunteers who can bring books to you in your home if you are unable to visit a library. Call 0354 045 5225 for more information.
- Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Sharing Time scheme organises volunteers to visit people who find themselves isolated in later life .
- Care Network Help at Home can provide short-term practical help. This includes during times of crisis, or when returning home from hospital. You can call 01954 211919 for more information.
Mental health support
Our Keep Your Head website has information on mental health and wellbeing.
Mental health organisation Lifecraft has a phone helpline - Lifeline. You can call 0808 808 2121, free, between 11am and 11pm every day.
British Red Cross support
The Red Cross website has information on getting help for loneliness.
- Online resources help empower people who may be feeling lonely. There are resources for adults and resources for young people.
- The Kind Place is a 6-part podcast series featuring people who are experiencing loneliness. They discuss what it actually means to be lonely. What loneliness feels like, how it comes about, and what they’re doing to get through it.
