As we get older, it can be harder to feel integrated and involved in a wider society. It’s common for elderly people to become more secluded, often staying home alone for longer stretches of time, and this can have a profound negative effect on mental and physical health.
In this article, we’re looking at some of the varied local groups and activities in Birmingham, which offer some fantastic opportunities for elderly people looking to meet new friends and enjoy a friendly, social atmosphere.
Lunch clubs
Birmingham hosts a number of lunch clubs every day, catered to the over 50s looking for friendly social interaction and some delicious food! The lunch clubs are dedicated to providing a comfortable, supportive atmosphere for anyone over the age of 50, particularly those who are isolated and in need of more social interaction. Some of the regular lunch clubs in Birmingham are:
Wellington Court Lunch Facility – Harborne – 12.30pm-3.00pm Monday to Friday
Details – https://marketplace.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk/Activity/Details/214
Email – [email protected]
Website – http://www.ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk/
Brookmeadow Court Lunch Facility – Hall Green – 12.30pm-3.00pm Monday to Friday
Details – https://marketplace.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk/Activity/Details/211
Email – [email protected]
Website – http://www.ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk/
South Aston United Reformed Church Lunch Club – 11.30am-2.00pm
Details – https://marketplace.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk/Activity/Details/807
Email – [email protected]
Website – http://www.southastonurc.co.uk/
Social groups
If you’re interested in something more active while still enjoying friendly and engaging social interaction, Birmingham has a range of social and activity groups to enjoy. Staying active is especially important in older age, and having regular group outings can help maintain independence while also building strong and fulfilling relationships with interesting and like-minded people.
Fircone Birmingham:
The Fircone Organisation is a group dedicated to providing a fun range of activities and classes for over 50s, with unique events taking place for elderly people to experiment with new activities they may never have tried before. From art and drama classes, computer studies, language, music and dance classes and more, there’s plenty of opportunity to meet new people and have fun in friendly and caring surroundings.
You can visit the website and view all the available activities on their website, or email them directly at this address: [email protected].
Age UK activity centres:
Age UK are a fantastic charity with a strong presence in Birmingham. They boast a range of activities from their Onneley Centre in Harborne, and the Oscott Centre in Great Barr. Classes, clubs, events, outings and general activities are all available, and the charity also runs various external outreach groups throughout Birmingham – a list of which you can find here.
Whether you want to learn Tai Chi, join a book club or head out on day trips, there’s plenty of exciting things to get involved in!
Bournville Village Trust:
The Bournville Village Trust run a number of events for older people in the local area, with a full calendar available on their website. Dedicated to building a strong community, you are likely to meet some friendly people while taking part in as many activities as you desire!
General activities throughout Birmingham
There are a huge range of independent activities happening regularly throughout Birmingham, and many are free! My Care in Birmingham host a huge repository of activities, split handily into different categories for you to browse. Through this you can find information about all kinds of activities and events, including various arts and crafts groups, outdoor and leisure activities and more.
Photography groups, creative writing classes, martial arts classes, sewing and crochet, gardening, swimming, and more, are all available throughout Birmingham. Most events take place regularly – with some being dependent on season – and all offer something unique.
You can browse all the categories through the ‘My Care in Birmingham Marketplace’. Here you will find information on many social groups, sporting or health-related activities, general events and more. There are opportunities catered to all interests, and hopefully you will be able to find an activity or group that appeals to you.
Trying new things and keeping occupied as you get older can help keep your body and mind sharp and healthy. Finding good company to enjoy regular outings or events with is hugely fulfilling, and we hope that our recommendations will help you find something to get involved with.
If you need more information on activities run throughout Birmingham, here are some contact details for various charities and organisations which will be able to offer specific advice to you:
Age UK Birmingham – website: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/
email: mailto:[email protected]
My Care in Birmingham – website: https://www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk/home-page
email: [email protected]
Dementia Roadmap – website: http://dementiaroadmap.info/birmingham
Bournville Village Trust – website: https://www.bvt.org.uk/our-communities/services-for-older-people-in-birmingham/
Contact page – https://www.bvt.org.uk/contact/
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