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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a difficult time for people to maintain their social connections. Local clubs and groups featured in this section may not be able meet in their usual way. Some have moved their services and support online so it is still worth having a look at the information on this page.
There are sources of support which can help you to stay connected to your local community and find the help you need without having to leave your home.
- Befriending services – these are free telephone services available for people to have a chat with someone. Go to the 'Befriending services' section at the bottom of the page.
- Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Connect magazine – Age UK West Sussex have launched a new magazine called ‘Connect’ to help people stay up to date and connected. The first issue is now available online and includes an article on ‘24 ways to live well whilst social distancing’. To receive regular copies, please contact Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove 01903 731800, or email info@ageukwsbh.org.uk
- West Sussex Wellbeing have a schedule of online events and opportunities to access support over the phone.
- Community hub (COVID-19) – West Sussex County Council has joined forces with local community groups to support vulnerable people during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can also contact the community hub if you are able to offer your services as a volunteer.
Maintaining social connections and participating in social events with family and friends can help to improve brain health as well as general health and wellbeing. This is especially important in older people and people with mental ill-health.
As people age, it is not unusual for social circles to reduce, especially with life events such as retirement, bereavement or ill-health. However, there are many different ways that you can stay connected so it’s worth seeing what’s available that will interest you.
According to the NHS, there are five steps that people can take that will improve their mental health and wellbeing.
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others (acts of kindness and volunteering)
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
So seeking out new clubs or activities could provide valuable opportunities for you to boost your mental health and wellbeing.
Where can I find information on local clubs and groups?
We have compiled a list of different sources of information on local groups and activities in West Sussex that you can join and take part in.
So if you, or someone you know, is feeling lonely or bored, would like to meet like-minded people, learn a new skill or keep fit, have a look at the information below and see if there’s a club for you.
Improving your overall fitness and strength will not only help you to remain living independently in your own home for longer, but also enable you to get out and about, join in local groups and activities, pursue a new hobby or learn a new skill.
Need support getting out and about?
- Information is available on different travel options and services in the community on the West Sussex County Council website. Includes community transport providers, Blue Badges and bus passes.
- Chichester Festival Theatre Buddy scheme - free companion service for people who do not feel comfortable attending the theatre on their own.
- Accessible and community transport information in Adur and Worthing area - list of local providers with accessible vehicles.
- Companion and driving services - there are some organisations that can provide support by accompanying and/or driving you to your appointments, for example, care at home agencies or organisations such as Driving Miss Daisy.
Below you will find the list we have compiled of different sources of information on local groups and activities in West Sussex that you can join and take part in.
Search for local clubs, societies or activities in West Sussex, ranging from Bridge clubs, yoga classes, art classes, to friendship clubs.
- Find events and activities that are taking place in your local area that will help you to stay active and improve your health and well-being.
-General information on services available in and around Horsham to support independence and wellbeing.
- Listing of leisure and sport activities in Mid-Sussex, including information on transport, events calendar and information of for people with disabilities.
Adur and Worthing Councils provide extra support to help you feel well in your community, through social prescribing.
The Life Skills club is suitable for people with acquired brain injury, mild learning disabilities, mental health needs and those who may be socially isolated. Focuses on developing life skills to help maintain independence.
-Situated around West Sussex so you're sure to find one near you to join in the many different activities.
- Provides information on lunch clubs and services in West Sussex.
- Run a wide range of clubs, groups and social events.
- Contact your local U3A network to find out about the programme of activities covering educational, creative and leisure activities.
- Impact Initiatives offers cafes, centres and activities for people aged over 50, as well as employment opportunities.
- Offers a range of talking therapy treatments to people struggling with a range of conditions.
- Provides local wellbeing information and services to help you make changes to improve your health and wellbeing - majority of services are free.
- Independent local mental health charity providing support and services from three hubs around West Sussex.
- An alliance of different organisations offering a range of support services including 1:1 support, peer support and group activities.
You may also want to go to the section on mental health to find out more.
- Provides local wellbeing information and services to help you make changes to improve your health and wellbeing - majority of services are free.
-Information about activities and services aimed at people with dementia and their family and friends.
Situated around West Sussex so you're sure to find one near you to join in the many different activities.
- Activity groups for people with dementia and their carers
You may also find it useful to go to the section on dementia to find out more.
- Mencap is a national charity providing information, advice and support for people with learning disabilities and their families. Visit the websites of the local groups to see what activities and events they offer.
- My Network aims to help people with a lifelong disability or autism to be as independent as possible in their communities. The support is provided by Network West Sussex – a group of organisations and teams working across the county, including Worthing Mencap and Aldingbourne Trust.
- User-led charity and social enterprise working to change the lives of people with disabilities. Provides information on a range of activities for people with learning disabilities.
- Charity offering educational courses to adults across West Sussex including a range of courses designed for people with learning disabilities.
- Adur and Worthing Councils provide extra support to help you feel well in your community, through social prescribing.
You may also find it useful to go to the section on learning disability to find out more.
Charity offering community-based adult education classes covering a range of interests.
Contact your local U3A network to find out about the programme of activities covering educational, creative and leisure activities.
- Independent charity supporting family and friend carers across West Sussex.
Getting involved in your local community is a great way to meet new friends and stay connected with what’s happening on your doorstep.
Many local areas have established neighbourhood groups and residents associations.
Or you may be interested in volunteering at a local project, charity or club.
As well as keeping you active, building your self-esteem and introducing you to new people, volunteering may also be a useful way to learn new skills. Visit the websites below to find the right volunteering opportunity for you.
- Volunteering opportunities on the West Sussex County Council website
- Adur and Worthing Councils Residents Associations
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- Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester 
- Volunteering opportunities with Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
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There may be times when you are not able to get out to a club or a group, but would still like to have a chat with someone, using a befriending service.
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Independent Age Friendship Service – This is a free service for people who would benefit from regular phone call chats with volunteers.
Age UK Call in Time telephone befriending service- Free telephone service for people aged 60 and over who would like to be matched up to a like-minded person for a weekly chat over the phone.
Time to Talk Befriending is a Sussex charity tackling all forms of loneliness. They offer a telephone befriending service for older people in Brighton, Hove and Worthing, which has been extended to cover Adur during the coronavirus outbreak.