About the project

Folk Like Us is a free service, providing support and advice to people over the age of 55, living in the city of Southend who are experiencing loneliness and isolation.

This National Lottery Community funded project aims to address the following issues:

  • Older people in Southend feeling isolated because they can’t participate in local social or community activities. This could be due to poor health, lack of confidence, transport issues or just not knowing what’s available.
  • Older people feeling disadvantaged because they can’t easily access information which could lead to an improved quality of life.

The Folk Like Us team
Heather (Wellbeing Coordinator), Lee (Wellbeing Navigator Lead) and Sarah (Wellbeing Navigator)

If Folk Like Us didn’t exist I don’t know where I’d be. You have been my life-line.

Folk Like Us member

Being with like-minded people means I don’t avoid things anymore; I feel braver.

Folk Like Us member

Wish I’d known about Folk Like Us sooner!

Folk Like Us member

Benefits to Members

Increased Confidence
A decrease in social isolation and loneliness
Better social connections with the local community
Improved sense of wellbeing
An opportunity to share lived experience and be a positive influence in the community

Services provided by the project

Folk Like Us Hubs

Our Hubs allow anyone to drop in during the specified times whether they are a registered member or general public seeking information.

Our Hubs are ideal if you would like to:

  • have a chat with the team
  • meet other people
  • learn about local services and support
  • get involved in Wellbeing Activities

We have Hubs which operate throughout the year. Click on their name below, or use the interactive map to find out more.

Folk Like Us operates a Hub in Central Southend on the ground floor of the SAVS Centre building in Alexandra Street, Southend on Sea, SS1 1BW. This Hub is open Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm and offers a welcoming environment, giving support, information and a chance to meet and chat to others over a cuppa.

The Folk Like Us Muddy Hub is located at the Norwich Avenue Allotment site in Southend. Our Muddy Hub is open during growing season. All year we grow lots of fruit and vegetables which when harvested are enjoyed by our members.

Folk Like Us is lucky enough to hire out a Beach Hut at East Beach Shoebury. During the summer months, you can join our Wellbeing Navigators and other members for some sea air and fingers crossed some lovely warm sunshine too!

Connect Events

Connect Events are run every 3 months. Members are invited to come along and hear from guest speakers covering a variety of subjects such as local history, health and community information.

This is a fun way to meet other members and share experiences.

Lunch and a raffle is also provided.

Home Visits

We know that some older people are housebound through mobility or health conditions and are not able to visit the Hubs.

Our Wellbeing Navigators provide home visits to those who are unable to leave their house, ensuring that Folk Like Us support is accessible and inclusive to all.

Wellbeing Activities

We deliver a number of activities which have been borne from members ideas. Folk Like Us members are able to take part in our:

  • Bi-weekly Feel-good Choir
  • Weekly Crafty Crew knitting and craft group
  • Monthly Seaside Striders walking group

To find out more call the Turning Tides Team on 01702 356 070 or send us an email.

Proudly Sponsored by

The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund, legally named the Big Lottery Fund, is a non-departmental public body responsible for distributing funds raised by the National Lottery for “good causes”. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes over £600m a year to communities across the UK, raised by players of The National Lottery.