Helping older people cope with loneliness in August

FOR MANY people August is a time to relax and take a break from the normal busyness of life.

It’s a time for holidays in this country or abroad, day trips, barbecues in the sun or simply relaxing and enjoying a slower pace of life.

But for older people it can be a very lonely time. Their regular activities may stop over the summer break leaving them feeling increasingly isolated.

And that’s why churches across our city are hosting Do Something Different Days throughout this month.

They start today and there will be at least one each week until August 31.

The idea is to bring older people together to have fun, enjoy food and meet friends or make new ones.

Each session will begin at 10am with coffee.

There will then be an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including crafts, puzzles, discussions and seated exercises.

There will also be a variety of newspapers available for people who would like to read them on their own or with others.

There will be a fish and chip lunch followed by a film in the afternoon.

The film will be followed by tea and cake. The day will end at 4pm.

The cost of each day is £5, payable on the day.

The dates and venues are:

n Today: St Wilfrid’s Church, George Street.

n Tuesday, August 9: All Saints’ Church, Commercial Road.

n Thursday, August 18: St George’s Church, St George’s Square (opposite Gunwharf).

n Tuesday, August 23: Portsmouth Cathedral, High Street, Old Portsmouth.

n Wednesday, August 24: St Faith’s Church, Crasswell Street, Landport.

n Wednesday, August 31: St Mary’s Church, Fratton.

Numbers are limited at each event so please book in advance by calling me on 07710 394 351 (please leave a message with name and telephone number and the date/s on which you would like to attend) or by e-mailing me at [email protected].