How a free weekly group in Warwick is tackling loneliness among older residents

A free weekly club in Warwick has become something its members count on: a reason to leave the house, and people to see when they get there.

Move & Mingle, run by New Age Care, is celebrating its third anniversary. Every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm, older people meet at 45 Coten End, Warwick, CV34 4NT for an exercise class followed by gentle stretching. Nothing is one-size-fits-all. Every movement is adapted so that people with limited mobility, including those seated in chairs or wheelchairs, can take part fully.

The exercise is only part of it. Afterwards, members stay on for tea and pastries, a chat and a few games, and for many of them that time matters as much as the class. Loneliness among older people is easy to miss and hard to fix. A regular, friendly place to be on a Tuesday goes some way towards fixing it.

R, 86, has been coming since the club first started three years ago. He enjoys the exercise, but says it is the people and the atmosphere that keep him coming back. He likes having somewhere to go each week, seeing familiar faces and joining in with the games and conversation after the class. "It's something I look forward to every Tuesday," he said.

For M, 76, the club has brought something she didn't expect. "I've made so many friends since coming here. It's lovely to have people to talk to and spend time with," she said.

S, 92, is one of the club's most devoted members. She has been coming for two years and rarely misses a Tuesday. She takes part in the exercises at her own pace, joins in with the games and is always happy to chat with the other members. Those who know her say she brings a great deal of energy and warmth to the group. "She's part of the furniture now," one member joked.

Samantha J Whittaker, Director of New Age Care, started Move & Mingle as part of the company's work to combat loneliness among older people.

"It's fantastic to see people coming along, enjoying themselves and then staying with us. Even better, some members are now bringing their friends along too. We're very proud of what Move & Mingle has become, and we'll continue running the club while also looking at new community events and activities for local older people," she said.