What’s On Where Spring/Summer 2026: Staying Social, Active and Connected in Epping Forest
Finding enjoyable ways to stay active and connected can make a huge difference to well-being in later life. Across Epping Forest, there are many welcoming activities helping local residents enjoy companionship, routine and social connection throughout the week.
From memory cafés and singing groups to gentle exercise classes and community lunches, local events are helping older people stay involved in the things they enjoy while reducing loneliness and isolation.
At Home Instead Epping Forest, supporting our clients to continue getting out and about is an important part of companionship care. The team regularly helps clients attend local groups, enjoy social outings and remain connected to the community around them.
Dementia-Friendly Activities in Epping Forest
We’ve launched our new Spring/Summer 2026 What’s On Where guide, helping older people and families discover local dementia-friendly cafés, community groups, activities and support across Epping Forest.
Some popular local groups and activities include:
– Memory Lane Café at Theydon Bois Village Hall, offering music, conversation and themed afternoons
– Singing for the Brain sessions helping people reconnect through familiar songs and shared memories
– Chair-based exercise classes in Ongar, Loughton and Waltham Abbey
– Carer chat groups in Epping and Abridge
– Community cafés and social lunches across the area
– Dementia information drop-ins held at local libraries
– Scam awareness sessions run alongside community support events
Music-based activities continue to be especially popular, with singing groups helping improve mood, confidence and social connection. For many families, these sessions also provide reassurance and an opportunity to meet others in similar situations.
To get a copy of the latest guide, download a copy here or contact us to receive a hard copy.
Local Places You Can Enjoy Around Epping Forest
Not every outing needs to involve a formal activity. Sometimes, simply getting out for a cup of tea, a gentle walk or a familiar local visit can have a positive impact on emotional well-being and confidence.
Across Epping Forest, Loughton, Epping and Ongar, there are many welcoming places you can enjoy, including:
– Community cafés offering warm indoor social spaces
– Local film screenings and community events
– Woodland walks and accessible green spaces
– Church coffee mornings and social groups
– Memory cafés with entertainment and refreshments
– Gentle exercise and seated yoga sessions
For people living with dementia, familiar places and routines can become especially important. Visiting the same café, community venue or group regularly can help maintain confidence and create a sense of structure and reassurance.
Companionship Care in Epping Forest
At Home Instead Epping Forest, companionship care is designed to help older people continue enjoying everyday life beyond the home.
Care Professionals can accompany clients to cafés, community groups, local events, appointments or gentle outings, helping people feel more confident and supported while remaining independent.
Why Staying Social Matters
Remaining socially active is closely linked to both physical and emotional well-being in later life. Regular conversation, movement and social interaction can help improve confidence, reduce feelings of loneliness and support cognitive health.
However, many older people gradually stop attending activities because travelling alone becomes more difficult or confidence declines after illness, bereavement or mobility changes.
Families often tell us their loved one still wants to remain independent and involved in the community but simply needs a little support to make outings feel manageable again.
For some people, companionship care means attending a dementia-friendly singing session or coffee morning again after months at home. For others, it may simply mean having someone to enjoy a walk, browse local shops or share conversation with.
If you’d like to learn more about companionship care, or any of our home care services, call our office on 01992 666777 or enquire online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are available for older people in Epping Forest?
Older people in Epping Forest can enjoy memory cafés, singing groups, seated exercise classes, social lunches, community cafés and dementia-friendly support groups across the local area.
Are there dementia-friendly groups in Epping Forest?
Yes. Epping Forest has several dementia-friendly cafés, Singing for the Brain sessions, information drop-ins and support groups for people living with dementia and their families.
How can companionship care help people stay independent?
Companionship care can help our clients continue attending local activities, appointments and community events safely and confidently while reducing loneliness and supporting independence at home.