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Some sad and shocking statistics have prompted me to compile a list of local groups that are there to help reduce loneliness across our region, and what I have found whilst researching is really positive. We have lots of different activities, meet ups, Friendship lunches, clubs and events for a range of different ages across South Yorkshire, proving once again that community is still at the heart of us all. What I did find difficult was finding out easily about the various groups, so I can see why some services may not be accessed as much as they could, any way so you don't have to hunt I have collected the best bits I can find so you don't have to. The information below could really help you or someone you know get that bit more out life and make a real difference to all round well-being, health, mood and mental health.
I have included just a few stats and statistics to raise awareness on just how much loneliness effects us:
The number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6. This compares to around 1.4 million in 2016/7 – a 49% increase in 10 years (Age UK 2018, All The Lonely People)
Half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all (Age UK 2016, No-one should have no one).
There are over 2.2 million people aged 75 and over living alone in Great Britain, an increase of almost a quarter (24%) over the past 20 years (ONS).
Research by Sense has shown that up to 50% of disabled people will be lonely on any given day.
Loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. (Age UK & Holt-Lunstad, 2015). )
In 2016 to 2017, there were 5% of adults in England who reported feeling lonely “often” or “always” and Younger adults aged 16 to 24 years reported feeling lonely more often than those in older age groups.
Whats out there? ABSOLUTELY LOADS!
Companionship and Friendship Lunches
Rotherham:
I was really happy to see another local pub getting involved.
Monday 20th May and Monday 17th June 12-3pm
For £7 Entertainment and a full roast dinner including pudding!
Sir Jack’s Carvery Bramley – Moorhead Way, Rotherham S66 1YY
Tuesday, 4th June 2019 – 12.00pm to 3.00pm
For £7 Entertainment and a full roast dinner including pudding!
Ring O Bells – Fenton Road, Kimberworth, Rotherham, S61 3RG
Monday 10th June 2019 – 11.30am to 2.30pm
For £7 Entertainment and a full roast dinner including pudding!
Every 4 weeks on a Thursday evening 7-9pm at The Herringthorpe United Reform Church in Rotherham, near the Stag roundabout.
£6 per person and includes door-to-door community transport, entertainment and refreshments. The entertainment includes singers, slide shows and interesting talks about a variety of subjects.
Barnsley:
Toby Carvery - Dodworth Valley, Castle View, Dodworth, Barnsley, S75 3LF On the first Monday of Every Month. From 12.00 Lunch time.
For just £6 A Full social afternoon with a chance to catch up with old and new friends. includes two course lunch, free tea and coffee and occasional entertainment.
The Full House - Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton, S71 2NW
On the last Friday of every month Starts 12:00pm-2:00pm
£6.50 for a meal and a dessert. A variety of home cooked meals are available. Booking is required. After lunch there are chances to do a quiz, play bingo, a game of cards, other games or chat To find out more or book: Telephone: 01226 776820 Email: enquiries@ageukbarnsley.org.uk
Sheffield:
Burton Building, Burton Street, 57 Burton St, Sheffield S6 2HH, UK
On the second Monday of every month 12.30-1.30 bar serving until 2.00pm
£6.50 for a home cooked 2 course meal with live music! & The bar is open too.
I have personally heard great things about the volunteers and chefs at Burton buildings.
St Thomas More`s Community Centre in Parson Cross, 56 Margetson Crescent, S5 9NB. Every Wednesday and Friday 12-1.45
£5.00 for a 2 course home cooked meal
Members range in age from 50 years to over 90, with the majority of people in their 70’s. Activities including a quiz, bingo and raffle.
To book call on 0114 3279727
Something a little different and a little bit Fancy! If you are a bit of a foodie this is so worth attending!
Burton Building, Burton Street, 57 Burton St, Sheffield S6 2HH, UK
0114 233 2908 admin@burtonstreet.org.uk
On the last Friday of every month professional chefs show off and give you a delicious three course treat using local produce and the best fresh ingredients they can find, topped off you can soak up the gorgeous atmosphere in the Burton Street bistro Victorian hall. This culinary treat comes in at £22.50 per head, although compared with the other Friendship lunches this comes in at more money, you know what the old saying is. You get what you pay for and you deserve a treat, because you really are worth it!
Wonderful Women friendship group
This group is just for women, Age range is from around 25-65! But they do welcome any woman of any age, after all it is just a number right? As we get older and our social and work environment changes and it can be more difficult to build social connections. What ever your social situation this group looks like FUN is the first order of the day. They host a huge range of different meet up's and although there is a joining free of £24 per year it is very minimal and personally having looked at the different events hosted I think its a very reasonable.
Just a selection of the activities and meet ups from this groups jam packed calendar,
They have Mid week meet up, Book club, After work drinks & Catch up night, tennis, badminton and Games nights. Not to mention Brunch and bottomless bubbles....did someone say bottomless bubbles!
Other activities and meet ups locally.
Friendship and Bingo
St Thomas More`s Community Centre in Parson Cross, 56 Margetson Crescent, S5 9NB. Every Monday at the Parsons cross Forum. 1-3pm
Call Louise on 0114 3279727 to find out more Bingo is the perfect activity to get out of the house and meet new friends. Renowned for its friendly competition, bingo is simple to play and everyone who takes part has a chance of winning. It’s because of this level of friendly competition that so many people enjoy a game of bingo. Bingo today has evolved far beyond its humble roots and is now one of the most popular and social pastimes of Europe. Come along and join us for an afternoon of social fun and friendship.
Exercise to Music Class
The totally free classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays 2.30-3.30pm at Totley United Reformed Church, Totley Brook Road, Sheffield S17 3QS.
The class has been designed to suit everybody, regardless of fitness level, so that they are able to learn new exercises that can be practiced in the home too. This means that household objects such as bottles of water, tins of beans and even mops are used at the stations spread around the hall creating a unique “circuit training” experience. From the Beach Boys to Dusty Springfield, a wonderful variety of fun tunes are played to help the motivation along the way!
Young at Heart. Ladies only.
St Thomas More`s Community Centre in Parson Cross, 56 Margetson Crescent, S5 9NB. Every Tuesday 1.30-3pm. Exercise Activity £2.00, Social Activity £1.00
Socialise more an become healthier at the same time. What is not to like. Enjoy an hour of activity and then a cuppa and a chat with up to 50 other ladies. The group also enjoy day trips and other events as part of the social activities. Knit and natter
Age UK Rotherham, Galax Business Centre, Eastwood Trading Estate, Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham S65 1SL
Once a month on a Tuesday 10am to 12 noon
Come along for a gossip and have a little fun, please contact us for the next date.
Knit and natter provides a perfect opportunity to meet with others, swap ideas and those all important knitting patterns. You can work entirely on your ideas or get involved in ours.
Needles and wool provided.
Coffee morning
At All Staints Church, Rotherham
Every Thursday between 10am and 12noon. Free of charge
Drop-In at Rotherham Minster
Drop-In sessions are on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10-12 midday at The Rotherham Minster. Feel free to pop in for a chat and meet new people in a welcoming atmosphere. Hot drinks with biscuits for 60p
All sorts group
36a Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AR
Every Tuesday, 12:45pm - 2:45pm.
£2 per person, per week.Light refreshments are provided at no additional charge.
This is a large friendly social group who enjoy getting together. They ‘stimulate brains’ with quizzes, crosswords, word searches and enjoy reminiscing about the good old days. They also play Bingo, Scrabble, Beetle Drives, Play Your Cards Right, Cards, Dominoes and have a Weekly Raffle.
Computer club
36a Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AR
Every Thursday, 1:00pm – 3:00pm. £2.50 per session voluntary contribution.
For more information please contact 01226 776820 Email: enquiries@ageukbarnsley.org.uk
Creativity group
36a Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AR
Every Monday, 12:45pm - 2:45pm.
Weekly subscriptions are £2 plus £1 voluntary contribution toward the cost of craft materials.
Light refreshments are provided at no additional charge.
I will aim to update the blog as I find more Friendship lunches and groups. Know of any ? Get in touch and let me know and I will add your group or any you attend.
South Yorkshire Mobility are not affiliated with any of the above companies, we just want to help make lives better for people in South Yorkshire and help people access information they need.
All the above have contact info and links to their websites provided.
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