It's important to stay sociable as we age to avoid the serious impact of loneliness. Stay connected and have fun by joining a social group in Brighton, Hove or Shoreham
Social interaction is vital for our health and wellbeing, but unfortunately your elderly friend or loved one may find it harder to stay connected then they once did. Taking part in a regular social group can help and there are several around locally. Here’s a list we’ve put together to help find something suitable in Hove, Shoreham, Portslade, Hangleton and Fishergate.
Tea & Something Lovely is a free community event from Home Instead Brighton, Hove & Shoreham. Friends of the leading local home care company are invited to join for a cuppa, companionship and some live music. Each session is run in partnership with groups like Dementia Singing Experience, Sussex, or Movingsounds.
All abilities are welcome and the venue is fully accessible. Although a free event, places need to be booked in advance. Call the Home Instead office on 01273 284090 or email [email protected] for more details and dates.
Location: Bishop Hannington Church Centre, Nevill Avenue, Hove, BN3 7NH.
CAMEO is a group that has been running at Bishop Hannington Church in Hove since 1982. It was started to make contact with people in the community and has been fulfilling that mission for nearly 40 years. Join them for coffee/tea and chat, talks, quizzes etc.
CAMEO meets each Thursday, 10.30am-12pm. Donation for refreshments. For more information email [email protected] or call 01273 732965.
Location: Bishop Hannington Church Centre, Nevill Avenue, Hove, BN3 7NH.
Knit and Natter at Shoreham Library, is held for any adult or senior with an interest in knitting crochet, plus company and conversation. Tea and coffee 50p per cup.
Contact & bookings: call 01273 467966 or go the Shoreham-by-Sea Library website for more information.
Location: Shoreham Library, St Mary’s Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZA.
Time to Talk offers a range of intergenerational befriending activities, including face to face and in groups, for older people in Brighton, Hove, Adur and Worthing. The charity Support people aged 65+ who are experiencing loneliness due to limited social connections.
The head office is based in Portslade and you can contact them on 01273 737710, or by emailing [email protected]. For referral, just fill in the online form.
Location: Time to Talk Befriending, office based at, City Coast Centre, North Street, Portslade, BN41 1DG.
Come along for a morning of fun and informal game playing at Shoreham Library’s weekly board games group. Bring a group of friends or join solo and meet some new ones.
Everyone welcome to this free event, just drop-in for games and conversation and help reduce stress and promote good mental health. Mondays, 2.30 to 4pm.
Location: Shoreham Library, St Mary’s Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZA.
Getting older, or having a dementia diagnosis, doesn’t mean you can no longer enjoy reading. So, Home Instead Brighton, Hove & Shoreham created the Read and Reminisce group! Using special non-fiction books, each participant takes a turn to read out loud – and the words stimulate discussion and conversation.
This is a free service from Home Instead available for up to six participants in each 45-minute per session. Tea and biscuits will be provided. Wheelchair accessible entrance and disabled toilet. Fridays at 10.30am. Call 01273 284090 to book your place.
Location: The Hop50+, St. John’s Road, Palmeira Square, Hove, BN3 2FL.
The Hangleton & Knoll Project 50+ provides free and low-cost in-person and online groups and activities available for people aged 50 and over. The Tea, Chat and Friendship group is open to all in the area, with activities designed to support and meet the needs of individuals from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds and communities.
The group meets monthly on Mondays, 2.30-4.30pm. It is free but advance booking is essential. Some transport is available for Hangleton & Knoll residents. Contact Clare on 01273 410858 or email clare.hopkins@hkproject.co.uk
Location: St Richards Community Centre, Egmont Road, Hove, BN3 7FP.
Men in Sheds is a ground-breaking project for older men to get them out of isolation in their later years. Southdown Men in Sheds, a kitted out community space where men can enjoy practical hobbies, opened in 2017 in Fishergate. It is about making friends, learning and sharing skills. Everyone is welcome and it’s fine to join just for the tea and banter, they say.
Running three days a week: Monday 10am to 2pm, Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Friday 10am to 2pm. Free first time then £25 per annum. Contact Keith Mason by email at [email protected]
Location: Garage at the top of West Road, Fishersgate, East Sussex BN41 1QH.
There are many social groups and activities for older adults in and around Brighton, Hove & Shoreham. We hope you find our list of suggestions for local groups useful and you, or an older loved one, is able to get out and about 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 across Brighton, Hove and Shoreham.