Staying Connected: Local Companionship Groups for the Elderly in the New Forest
Stay connected in the New Forest: explore local companionship groups and activities for older adults near you.
Have You Ever Felt That Social Connection is Just as Important as Physical Health?
Social connections play a vital role in maintaining emotional and physical well-being, especially as we age. The New Forest is home to a variety of companionship groups and activities designed to help older adults stay engaged, active, and socially fulfilled. Whether you’re interested in a local friendship group, a creative workshop, or a relaxing community outing, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and enjoy shared experiences.
At Home Instead New Forest, we recognise the importance of staying socially connected. We actively encourage our clients to take part in local activities, helping them build friendships, stay active, and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle. If you or a loved one are looking for opportunities to connect with others in Lymington, Brockenhurst, Milford on Sea, and surrounding areas, here are some fantastic local groups and services to explore.
Local Companionship Groups in the New Forest
New Forest Live at Home: A Community-Based Initiative
New Forest Live at Home is dedicated to helping individuals over 60 maintain their independence while staying socially active. Run by MHA, a trusted organisation supporting older adults across the UK, this service offers a range of activities aimed at reducing loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging.
Activities and Services Available:
- Drum Fun in Ringwood – An engaging way to improve coordination and mood.
- Singing for Wellbeing in Ringwood – Music therapy sessions that boost mental health.
- Friendship Groups – Regular meet-ups in Totton, Ringwood, Lymington, and New Milton.
- Crafting Groups – Creative sessions in Totton, Lymington, and New Milton.
- Outings and Café Clubs – Trips and café visits to encourage social interaction.
- Pub Lunches – Shared meals in Ringwood and Lymington, offering great food and conversation.
Volunteers play a key role in running these groups, offering companionship, transport, and event support. If you’d like to participate or volunteer, call 01425 476142 or email [email protected].
Good Life Sorted: Companionship and Home Help
Ageing should be filled with meaningful connections and support. Good Life Sorted offers companionship services, ensuring that older adults have meaningful social interactions while also receiving practical support.
What Companionship Care Includes:
- Friendly conversations over a cup of tea
- Playing games or completing puzzles
- Accompanying clients on short walks or outings
- Supporting hobbies and creative activities
- Attending medical or social appointments
Additional Home Help Services:
- Light Cleaning and Laundry – Keeping the home comfortable.
- Shopping and Errands – Help with groceries and prescriptions.
- Transport and Social Outings – Reliable support for appointments and visits.
- Meal Preparation – Nutritious home-cooked meals.
- Medication Reminders – Ensuring regular medication intake.
- Dog Walking and Welfare Checks – Providing additional peace of mind.
For a free first visit, call 0808 164 8338 or visit the Good Life Sorted website.
Home Instead New Forest: The Leading Provider of Companionship and Social Engagement
At Home Instead New Forest, we believe that companionship is at the heart of well-being. Our dedicated Care Professionals provide one-on-one companionship, meaningful social engagement, and emotional support to help older adults stay connected and enjoy fulfilling lives. Whether it’s sharing a conversation, participating in hobbies, or attending local events together, we ensure that every individual feels valued and supported.
For those looking for the best companionship care in the New Forest, our personalised services are designed to enhance social connections, reduce isolation, and bring joy to daily life.
Learn more about our companionship services here.
Activities to Enhance Well-Being:
- Arts & Crafts – Encouraging creativity and self-expression.
- Knitting and Scrapbooking – Therapeutic activities that foster connection.
- Pet Therapy – Benefiting from the calming presence of animals.
- Afternoon Tea – Social events in a relaxed setting.
To arrange support, call 07876 191 833 or email [email protected].
Staying Active with Walking Groups in the New Forest
Walking is a fantastic way to stay physically and mentally healthy while also fostering social connections. There are several walking groups in the New Forest that offer structured walks and opportunities for companionship.
Local Walking Groups:
- Community First – A charity-led initiative offering group walks.
- Nordic Walking UK – Based in Brockenhurst, focusing on full-body exercise.
- The Ramblers – The largest walking organisation in Great Britain, with a dedicated New Forest group.
Recommended Routes:
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary Walk – A scenic wildlife trail.
- Blackwater Arboretum Trail – A route featuring exotic trees.
- Tall Trees Trail – A short but impressive woodland walk.
- Keyhaven Marshes Walk – A beautiful coastal path with stunning views.
Community Art and Craft Sessions: Creative Ways to Connect
Engaging in creative activities is a wonderful way to stimulate the mind and build friendships. Local crafting groups in Totton, Lymington, and New Milton offer opportunities for residents to express themselves artistically while enjoying a sense of camaraderie.
A Fun Crafting Idea: Painting Bird Boxes for Spring
One activity that has been gaining popularity is painting wooden bird boxes. This simple yet enjoyable project is perfect for Care Professionals and clients to do together, fostering creativity while preparing for the arrival of spring wildlife.
Want to get involved? You can purchase a Paint Your Own Wooden Bird House Kithere and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon bringing colour to your garden.
Share Your Story: Celebrate Community and Companionship
We love hearing about the wonderful friendships and activities that take place in the New Forest. If you’ve participated in a companionship group, attended a local event, or discovered a fantastic community initiative, we’d love to hear from you!
How to Share:
- Email us your stories and photos
- Let us know how these groups have made a difference in your life
- Share ideas for new activities that could bring even more people together
Your experiences could inspire others to get involved and make meaningful connections in their own lives.
Home Instead New Forest: Supporting Independence and Social Engagement
At Home Instead New Forest, we believe that quality care goes beyond practical assistance—it’s about nurturing relationships, fostering social inclusion, and ensuring that every individual feels valued and connected.
Our Care Professionals provide tailored companionship services designed to help older adults maintain their social lives, pursue their interests, and enjoy fulfilling days in their own homes and communities.
How We Can Help:
- One-to-one companionship at home or out in the community
- Assistance with attending local groups and activities
- Help with errands, appointments, and outings
- Opportunities to enjoy creative and recreational activities.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about our companionship and home care services, call us on 01590 637 250 or visit our website to arrange a friendly chat with our team.
Stay Connected, Stay Supported
The New Forest offers a rich and varied community for older adults looking to maintain independence and enjoy meaningful social interactions. By joining a local companionship group, participating in creative sessions, or engaging in social activities, older residents can continue to lead fulfilling, connected lives.
Whether you’re looking for companionship, a new hobby, or a way to give back to the community, there’s something for everyone in the New Forest. Reach out today and discover the benefits of staying socially active and engaged.
Areas We Serve
Lymington, Brockenhurst, New Milton, Totton, Lyndhurst & the surrounding areas.
BH23 8, BH24 4, BH25 5, BH25 6, BH25 7, SO40 2, SO40 3, SO40 4, SO40 7, SO40 8, SO40 9, SO41 0, SO41 3, SO41 5, SO41 6, SO41 8, SO41 9, SO42 7, SO43 7, SO45 1, SO45 2, SO45 3, SO45 4, SO45 5, SO45 6
5 Rashley Mews, High St, Lymington SO41 9AR, UK
01590 637 250