Social isolation can come about through the life-changing events that can affect everybody. Carers like you have reported feeling loneliness in older age as you may feel more isolated after a death, onset of dementia, depression, or serious illness in partner, or having fewer social contacts and relationships due to your caring role. Or you may not feel isolated yourself – but your company and friendship could make all the difference to someone who does.

The Ageing Better programme in Birmingham is working to reduce isolation in the city through a grass-roots approach designed to empower and connect individuals, helping to create sustainable change in communities. It supports volunteers who reach out to people over 50 who may be suffering loneliness in older age. Through weekly groups the volunteers connect individuals, helping to create a positive change in the lives of those they reach.

“It’s about getting people out of the house and giving them the opportunity to socialise,” says Nabeela Abdul, Ageing Better volunteer and lawyer-in-training.

Would you or someone you know benefit from more opportunities to socialise? Why not come along or bring someone to join us? For information about event and activities, visit www.ageingbetterinbirmingham.co.uk or call 0121 678 8876.