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Getting out and about

There’s support that you can access to help you get out and about in your local community and in the city, including:

  • Community Transport providers.
  • Discount travel.
  • Local community organisations which are part of the People Keeping Well partnership. These local organisations run a whole host of activities for the community and can also signpost you to other local support and activities. They may provide transport and may escort you to appointments, wellbeing or social activities and help you gain the confidence to go out on your own.
  • Local Community Support Workers (based in your local GP surgery). They can signpost you to what’s going on locally and may accompany you to appointments or activities for the first time.
  • Better Journeys By Rail. Supports older and disabled people living in South Yorkshire to access their local train services. They aim to support those who want to increase their confidence and travel independently, so they can do more of the things they love.
  • For help getting around the shops, you can loan mobility aids like wheelchairs or power scooters from:

Many people feel lonely or socially isolated at some time in their lives. Loneliness and isolation can happen at any age and can often be triggered by a big life change such as bereavement, divorce or separation, losing a job or retirement. There are a whole host of clubs and groups you can join to get out and meet people, which you can find out about in our Leisure and culture and Community and environment sections of this directory.

There are also local and national groups and services that support people who are lonely or isolated, including:

  • The Silver Line. A 24 hour, free and confidential helpline providing information, friendship and support to older people. Call 0800 4708090.
  • Re-engage. Provides vital, life-enhancing social connections for people over 75. They are most famous for their monthly Sunday tea parties which take place in volunteers’ homes. You will even be taken there and home again so you don’t need to worry about organising travel. You can also sign up for a regular friendly chat over the phone with your very owncall companion. All services are free. Call 0800 716543.
  • Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) provides a Good Neighbours Scheme for the over 65’s. Their volunteers offer the kind of support a good neighbour might give. Call (0114) 250 5292.
  • b:friend. Volunteer visiting for people over 65. Call 07523 698530.
  • Ending Forever Isolation. A safe space for elderly people in Sheffield to have a cuppa, take part in activities and meet new friends. Held on a Wednesday at Blades Family Hub, Bramall Lane. Call Josh on 07949 375726.
  • Good Gym Sheffield will try to source a local runner/walker who can call into for a chat and tea/coffee or to do a minor task like putting up curtains.
  • MHA live later life well offer befriending, lunch clubs, assisted shopping, activity and friendship sessions, outings, escorts to appointments and much more. Call 07568 612 067.

You’ll find other groups which can help with loneliness or isolation on this directory.

If you’re feeling lonely or isolated because you’re caring for someone, you can contact Sheffield Carers Centre for support. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, there are a host of activities for you and the person you care for to take part in.

You can also contact Age UK Sheffield if you’re over 50. They have a range of groups and activities you can join.

View all services in the directory that:
support you to get out and about 
support you if you're feeling lonely or isolated.

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