Funding helps Age UK Northumberland tackle loneliness among elderly
Age UK Northumberland is celebrating the impact that Dunelm’s Community Fund is making to older people across the county.
The funding from Dunelm has enabled Age UK Northumberland to continue and develop its Friendship Groups service, providing older people with opportunities to meet others, build friendships and access valuable support within their local community.
For many older people, social isolation and loneliness can have a significant impact on their wellbeing. The groups provide much more than simply a place to meet.
They offer a welcoming and friendly environment where people can feel a sense of belonging, develop new friendships, and take part in activities they enjoy.
Age UK Northumberland supported 7,252 clients within their 14 weekly Friendship Groups during 2025-2026, with 304 members attending regularly.
The groups offer people the opportunity to have a cuppa, enjoy a chat and spend time with their peers.
Activities vary from week to week and include board games, arts and crafts, gardening, music, lunches, visits from local organisations, information and advice and scams awareness sessions and an access point to Age UK Northumberland's range of support services.
Joan, aged 95, arrived at Age UK Northumberland late in 2025, after moving to the North East a few years ago.
Her world felt small, lonely, and uncertain. She struggled with isolation and the invisible weight of everyday worries, leading her to suffer from daily panic attacks.
Joan began attending Age UK Northumberland’s Seaton Delaval and Blyth Friendship Groups, and also joined the charity’s Veterans Support Groups.
Joan described her visit to Age UK Northumberland as “finding solid ground under shaky feet”.
She said: “My life feels brighter now, coming to Age UK Northumberland has given me friendship. The people here didn’t just welcome me – they believed in me. This support has given me peace and a future I can look forward to”.
Amy Whyte, CEO of Age UK Northumberland said: “We are extremely grateful for the support that Dunelm has provided through the Community Fund.
"This funding is helping us to provide much more than a social activity - it is helping older people build friendships, maintain their independence and feel connected to their local community.
“For many of the people we support, having somewhere friendly and welcoming to go each week can make a huge difference.”