Older People...

This page is aimed at people over the age of 60 and involves some of the charities and groups in the area that meet to support their needs.

The Silver Line operates the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline number is: 0800 4 70 80 90.

Click here for their website

They also offer telephone and letter friendship schemes where we match volunteers with older people based on their interests; facilitated group calls; and help to connect people with local services in their area.

The Silver Line Helpline
The Silver Line is the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK open every day and night of the year. Their specially-trained helpline team:

• Offer information, friendship and advice.
• Link callers to local groups and services.
• Offer regular friendship calls.
• Protect and support older people who are suffering abuse and neglect

Who can call the helpline?
The Silver Line is a helpline for older people. They have no strict age limits but most people they speak to are over 65. So, if you think it’s for you, it’s for you. All helpline calls are free and confidential.

Silver Line Telephone Friends
If callers would like to be put in touch with a Silver Line Friend, they can enjoy a regular weekly friendship telephone call. Silver Line Friends are volunteers who have contacted The Silver Line because they enjoy talking to older people. Calls are free for both parties, as costs are covered by The Silver Line through donations. They match the older person to like-minded volunteers, based on their interests and preferences. It is not a counselling service and Silver Line Friends will not meet, or know the telephone numbers of the people they speak to.

Silver Letters
Telephone friendship schemes are not suitable for everyone. They created the Silver Letters scheme for people who are hearing impaired, and would like a Silver Line Friend, as well as those who just prefer the written word. Silver Letters are a regular exchange of correspondence between an older person and a Silver Line Friend. All postage is free for both parties, and sent via their mail centre, so costs are covered by The Silver Line.

Silver Circles
Silver Circles are facilitated group telephone calls where people with shared interests can discuss topics that interest them with a wider group. This is enjoyed by people who would like to speak with more than one person at a time. Calls are free for people taking part, as costs are covered by The Silver Line.

Silver Line Connects

The Silver Line Connects team provides older people with more intensive support, advice, and help with connecting to local services. Since launching in November 2015, the team has worked on issues ranging from housing and health issues, to finding lunch clubs and even financial concerns.

Age UK - The Jubilee Centre

The Jubilee Centre offers an exciting programme of activities for the over 50's

Currently their range of activities include art, exercise to music, Pilates, short-mat bowling, Tai Chi, Nordic walking, Yoga and Zumba. Dancing is always popular and styles include Line dancing, Latin & Latino in Line. There are classes for beginners and experienced dancers. There is a tea dance every Thursday and social Line dancing session on Fridays.Wednesday afternoon is the time for the legendary quiz, followed by Bingo.

After you've worked up an appetite you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of the Jubilee Centre in their elegant Chatterbox Cafe where you can admire and enjoy panoramic views of the Lido and surrounding Chesham Woods.

The Jubilee Centre is open Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 4pm and can be found at Mosley Ave, Bury, BL9 6NJ, click here for their website

Age UK also offers a lot of help and advice

Friends Together - (Also run by Age UK) The Radcliffe and Whitefield group meets on a Wednesday between 10am and 4pm and is for the over 65's. Transport is included for £4 and meals can be purchased for £4.95. Places are limited so would need booking. Call 0161 763 9030 or click here for more info 

Friendly Faces

This group was set up with the aim of tackling loneliness and social isolation amongst older people. The group is supported by a team of volunteers offering regular and vital friendship links. Meaning over the months acquaintances can turn into friendships and loneliness can be replaced by companionship. This group will offer a lifeline of friendship for their members who have little or no contact with family members or friends. 

Friendly Faces meet at Radcliffe Boro, every Wednesday, 1-3pm. They try to theme each week so people have something different that they can reminisce about, making it easier to chat and break the ice with new members.

Check out their website here to see what this week's theme will be or to find out more.