Age UK’s event at Nottingham Contemporary has drawn praise from one of the participants, Mel Hackett, who believes it is a vital part of getting older people out of their homes.
His story is like many others, left alone in his home after his wife passed away a couple of years ago and lost for ideas on how to meet people.
He had been part of a male choir for over 40 years but when he developed macular degeneration which affected his sight, he couldn’t drive at night to attend their sessions.
“I had to resign from doing the choir after developing the condition and that is when I heard about Age Concern and Kindred Spirits’ events that happened during the day,” he said.
“The whole project is about getting together with other people who have lost their partners and want to meet up, have a sing and a chat to brighten their life up a little bit.”
Video: Mel Hackett discusses how he got involved in the project
With the main aim being to tackle loneliness amongst older people, Mel knows all to well how important a group like this can be after the loss of a loved one.
“Loneliness was a big issue for me as I was just sitting at home watching my TV and I knew I needed to get out and do some exercise, that is how I found the singing group,” he said.
“Through joining the initiative I have met some really nice people and it has got me over that really difficult time in my life where it was hard to stay active.”
The benefits of an annual membership as part of Kindred Spirits:
- Opportunities to make friends at a pace that suits you in safe and welcoming settings.
- Access to a monthly diary of activities packed with lots of things for you to choose from, sent directly to you in a newsletter at the beginning of each month.
- Save money on costs of activities, day trips, holidays and events.
- Access to a wide variety of fit for the future activities at discounted rates.
- Opportunities to campaign and have your say on issues affecting older people both locally and nationally.
- Access to our Best Foot Forward walks around the city.
- Invitations to attend or contribute towards our fundraising campaigns such as holding a stall at a bazaar, knitting for charity or simply baking a cake.
