Last year, more than three million adults in England reported often or always feeling lonely - and this figure is rising.
One group helping to buck the trend is the Silver End Friendship Group, so we paid them a visit!
“I’ve been coming here for over 30 years”, says Josie, a spritely 94-year-old who is sat in the middle of a group of ladies who clearly love having a laugh. The club formed in 1977 at the same time as the village celebrated its Silver Jubilee anniversary. The 50+ members, all aged 60 or over, pay just £10 a year and meet weekly at Silver End Bowls Club on Fridays, from 2pm–4pm.
Jeff, an Eastlight resident and club entertainment secretary, said: “It’s friendly, and we have a laugh. I first found out about it because I’m a coach for the Bowls Club, and, around two years ago, I heard some music coming from the clubhouse and I started to groove on the green!
“It turns out the music was coming from the Friendship Group’s weekly meet-up, and I got roped in and haven’t looked back.
“We have weekly raffles to help subsidise trips out, and we charge a bit extra on the door when we have entertainment, like a singer or bingo.”
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When Maureen became chair in 2015, she felt even more could be done to help reduce isolation and bring people together
She said: “The club used to stop meeting during December and January, but I think it’s particularly important that people meet during the darker months, so they now meet weekly throughout the year.”
Maureen helps organise four outings per year, from strolling around garden centres to cruising on the Norfolk Broads.
As John says: “We all get along together and keep each other going. Their problems are our problems. We pick each other up – it’s a good thing for all of us.”
What's happening where you live?
Like to get out more and meet new people? Try your local council, community Facebook pages, and parish and community newsletters and noticeboards (including your local shops and supermarkets).
