Enjoying social activities as you age can help maintain your wellbeing and independence. There are many groups and activities to get involved across Lewes District & Uckfield
Our health and wellbeing are supported by maintaining social links, but it can become harder to stay connected as we age. Getting involved in regular social activities can help and there are many groups to join across East Sussex, including Lewes, East Hoathly, Ringmer, Seaford, Barcombe and Uckfield.
Why not try some of our recommendations and make the most of the benefits of those social connections?
The Lewes House of Friendship provides a range of activities of interest to older members of the local community and a place where you can meet for companionship – they also offer teas, coffees and a hot lunch. Their Craft Group meets on Tuesdays, 10.30 am to 12 noon, where you can enjoy a chat while maybe learning new skills. Lewes District Council has also provided funding for it to become a ‘warm space’. People over the age of 55 are welcome to come into The House, between 10 am and 1pm on any weekday, for a hot drink and a friendly safe environment.
Based on the High Street, Lewes (next to Flint Owl Bakery), Lewes House of Friendship is a friend of Age UK East Sussex. There is an annual membership fee, details of which along with details of all the activities can be found their website.
Location: 208 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2NS.
Sussex Support Services is a safe and comfortable community space, providing varied social activities and support for people living in East Sussex, including those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, other extra care needs, mental health issues and those who are socially isolated.
It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm, and offers arts, singing and other entertainment.
“Everyone needs a sense of purpose and to have some fun during the day. Encouraging someone to do something that helps them to realise their potential, improves their well-being, self-esteem and reduces loneliness.” Margaret Dodé-Angel (Founder & Director)
Location: Victoria Pavilion, Uckfield, TN22 5DJ.
East Hoathly and Halland War Memorial Sports Ground Trust is offering a warm, friendly and social space for residents of the whole Parish at East Hoathly Pavilion, Lewes. As well as being a place to meet others, they hope it will also help reduce home heating and energy costs.
Tea, coffee, biscuits/cake, a warm lunch, plus games and puzzles etc are provided, £2 per adult (children are free), on alternate Thursdays, 10.30am to 2.30pm. Volunteers very welcome! For further information please contact Jacs on 07841 117727 or [email protected]
Location: East Hoathly Sports Pavilion, East Hoathly, Lewes BN8 6EG.
The Lewes Community Social Group (previously ‘Lewes Men’s Club’) is a free community event from Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield, run in partnership with Foundry Healthcare Lewes’ social prescribing and dementia teams. The group provides a safe environment for adults to meet and enjoy each other’s company. Members are encouraged to take an active role in helping run the group, and along with the opportunity to chat, activities and sometimes entertainment are provided.
The Dorset pub provides tea and coffee and the venue for free. Home Instead provides continental breakfast items, including fruit. The group runs every Wednesday at the Dorset Pub, 10am to 12pm. Call Home Instead on 01273 437040 for further information. A member of the group says, “It is always such a pleasure and joy to bring people together like we do, and to see the brilliant friendships formed.”
Location: Dorset Pub, Lewes, BN7 2RD.
Following the success of the Lewes Social Group, two more local groups were set up in Ringmer to provide a safe environment for adults to meet and enjoy each other’s company. Also run by Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield in partnership with Foundry Healthcare Lewes’ social prescribing and dementia teams, the group offers a range of activities for people to get involved with, including live music, buffets, and games.
“We have been lucky to see these incredible community groups thrive and support people by providing them with someone to talk to and companionship each week. I am so pleased that we can do our bit to help and make a difference.” Alison Scutt, group founder and Director of Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield.
The meetings take place every Monday and Thursday from 10am to 12pm in the Church Room at St. Mary’s Church, Ringmer. For more information on the groups, please call Alison Scutt on 01273 437040.
Location: Church of St Mary the Virgin, Church Hill, Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5JX.
Making Magical Moments offers music, laughter, dancing, socialising and person-centred interaction for people with dementia, mental health issues, and older people with disabilities in Seaford and Newhaven.
The community-based support group offer two sessions a week: a Tuesday group session, currently based at Seaford Scout Community Hall, and Thursday “out-and-about” days where they visit a range of places in the local area. Details regarding prices is on their website. |You can contact them via email – [email protected] or by phone on 07759 370090.
“We have looked after so many amazing people with dementia over the years. It has been such a pleasure to get to know you and share your lives, and your carers lives, and to provide our much-needed service to bring fun, laughter, friendship, and a much-needed break for the carers.” Magical Moments.
Location: Seahaven Scout Community Hall, Chichester Rd, Seaford BN25 2DR.
East Sussex Federation of Women’s Institutes (ESFWI) was formed in 1919 having originally been part of the Sussex Federation which was the first to be created in the country in 1917! It has nearly 100 WIs across the County in both towns and villages. Each WI has its own character, activities etc. As a member paying an annual subscription in East Sussex you will also have access to the wide range of activities, workshops, outings etc. arranged by ESFWI.
The friendly office staff, based in Hailsham, are happy to give information about local WIs for you to visit and you can view information on their Facebook page.
There are branches in Barcombe, Bevendean, Buxted, Chailey, Chiddingly, Firle, Lewes, Peacehaven, Ringmer, Seaford, Uckfield…
Lewes District and Uckfield has many places to enjoy the benefits of socialising, with many aimed at older adults. We hope you find our recommendations helpful, and you are able to get out and about for some for some beneficial social connection.
There are many benefits to Home Instead’s companionship-based home care. We provide high quality, expert support services to allow clients to continue living safely and happily in their own homes as they age. And our committed team of fully trained and compassionate Care Professionals are locally based in Lewes District and Uckfield.