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Loneliness can affect anyone, but for older people it’s often compounded by mobility issues, bereavement, or living further from family and friends than previous generations did. Isolation doesn’t just affect wellbeing, it can have a big impact on physical and mental health.
Through our Community Cares Fund, we’re proud to support organisations finding ways to bring older people together, whether that’s over a shared lunch, a weekly singalong, or a friendly cup of tea. Our Community Support Lead, Angela, has been visiting these projects to see their impact first-hand…
Age Well East Friendship Group
Who are they? Age Well East used their grant to launch a weekly friendship group in Colchester city centre, aimed at combating loneliness and social isolation among people aged 60 and over. A dedicated Activities Co-ordinator manages the sessions, which include arts and crafts, puzzles and games, and plenty of tea and coffee.
Did you know? Our £1,780 Community Cares Fund grant helped Age Well East get the group off the ground from scratch, from hiring the venue to appointing the Activities Co-ordinator who now runs it.
What Angela learned: “Spending time in the community and seeing first-hand the impact of the projects we fund is always incredibly rewarding, but my recent visit to Age Well East in Colchester was particularly special.
What stood out most was the level of care and thought behind it, from the arts and crafts to making sure there’s always a warm drink on hand, every detail has been considered to create a welcoming, inclusive space.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to catch the group’s very first ‘boy band’ performance. The room was filled with music, laughter, and a real sense of joy as everyone came together, a wonderful reminder of how powerful these shared moments can be. Projects like this are a powerful reminder of why community funding matters. I left feeling inspired and incredibly grateful to be able to be involved in supporting such meaningful work.”
Find out more: Age Well East - empowering people to age well
The Autumn Centre
Who are they? The Autumn Centre runs two weekly lunch clubs for older residents in Brightlingsea and the surrounding area. Two minibuses collect and return members who would otherwise be unable to attend, supporting the charity’s mission to reduce social isolation among older people and support their mental health.
Did you know? The Autumn Centre celebrated its 30th anniversary last September.
What Angela learned: “I was truly honoured to be invited to lunch, along with some colleagues, at The Autumn Centre in Brightlingsea, recipients of a £2,500 grant from our Community Cares Fund.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and kindness. It’s clear this isn’t just a lunch club, it’s a lifeline: a place where older members of the community come together to share good food, laughter, and connection. Not far away, their mobility aid shop feeds its profits straight back into these services.
What really stood out was their amazing team of 34 volunteers, who run it all with care, compassion, and joy, creating a space where everyone feels valued and part of something special. But they can’t do it alone. The centre is currently looking for more volunteers, including minibus drivers and trustees, to keep this vital work going. Thank you to everyone at the Autumn Centre for such a lovely afternoon, and for everything you do for the Brightlingsea community.”
Find out more: If you’re local and want to get involved, you can reach The Autumn Centre by emailing theautumncentre@btinternet.com or calling the shop on 01206 303702.
Duncan's Club - Norwich Community Sports Foundation
Who are they? Duncan’s Club is a dementia café running two weekly sessions in Norfolk for people living with dementia, and their carers. Sessions include singing, dancing, music, and photo-based quizzes that spark conversations about decades past, alongside gentle activities like table tennis and snooker. Dementia UK’s guidance shows that mild exercise, games, and social contact all help people living with dementia stay healthier for longer. Our £5,000 grant supports the running costs of Duncan’s Club.
Did you know? Duncan’s Club is the only weekly provision of its kind in Norfolk for people with dementia.
What Angela learned: “There are times in my work when the real impact of what we do hits me. Visiting Duncan’s Club in Norwich with one of our Directors, Maria Veronese, was one of those times.
At first glance, what happens at Duncan’s Club might seem simple: singing, dancing, gentle sports, music, and quizzes sparked by old photos. But these activities do something so important, they spark conversations, laughter, and connection, reminding everyone involved that people living with dementia can still engage, enjoy, and feel seen.
For many who attend, Duncan’s Club is a lifeline: a place of routine, companionship, joy, and dignity. Visiting reminded us why supporting local community groups matters so much. These organisations see what people need, they create spaces where individuals are truly valued, and they make a difference that lasts far beyond the end of the session.”
Find out more: Duncan's Club - Norwich Community Sports Foundation
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