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)
Benefits to Members
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.
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
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.