Circles
- Location: Age UK Doncaster
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Doncaster - Head Office's catchment area.
Age UK Doncaster
Ten Pound Walk
Doncaster
DN4 5HX
United Kingdom
Email: Circlesteam@ageukdoncaster.org.uk
Telephone: 01302 812345
We believe that loneliness is not inevitable. People of all ages need connections that matter. Yet for 6,000 older people in Doncaster, loneliness is a daily reality.
What do Circles do?
Circles aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people (50+) in Doncaster. Circles help people to be happier, healthier, and more connected to their community. Everyone is different and there are many reasons why someone might be feeling lonely. That is why it is important for us to understand each person’s individual needs, passions, and interests.
Do you want a Circle?
Circles are completely flexible, and support is fully tailored to each person. We will work with you to decide the purpose of your Circle; we have had people explore all sorts of things from learning digital skills, building up confidence, engaging in exercise, or simply getting out more. Our aim is for you to reconnect or make new connections in your community, which we know improves health and wellbeing.
The Difference We Are Making
99% of people supported by Circles report having a stronger network to support them. 100% reported they have increased their wellbeing and feel better in themselves and 84% say they have made new friends.
Before Joining Circles
‘Difficult for a young person to imagine what it’s like being really old.’
‘I never thought it would happen to me (growing old and being lonely) but it has happened.’
After Joining Circles
‘I don’t feel lost anymore. I feel I’ve got a new branch of friends.’
‘I feel that life is worth living now I’ve got a lot of people in my life. I never did have before and I can’t explain how thankful I am.’
Case Studies
Vera
Vera moved to Doncaster to care for her husband Ron who had dementia. But the pandemic left them isolated, and Ron sadly passed away, leaving Vera alone. After her pet dog died, Vera felt even more isolated. "I no longer had company to go on a walk...that is when I really noticed the loss of Ron," she shared. The Circles team helped Vera set a goal to "get out and about more" and introduced her to a Sporting Memories group, a craft group, and line dancing. Vera now feels more connected to her community, has made new friendships, and feels "happier and more content." "Circles has opened up my life," she concluded.
Ann
Ann’s ambition was to make new connections. She was matched with our volunteer Antonia who started visiting Ann in her home. These visits had a positive impact on Ann’s confidence, which resulted in the pair going out for coffees, taking trips to the theatre and attending Circles Sunday Socials. Ann’s confidence continued to grow, and this motivated her to start attending our Digital Buddies classes independently on a weekly basis. She has managed to develop new digital skills and now knows how to use her tablet. As well as this Ann has made new friends and through these connections, she has started to attend a local lunch club on regular basis.
To find out more, have a chat, and see if Circles is right for you or someone you know, simply give us a call on 01302 812345 or email the Circles team at Circlesteam@ageukdoncaster.org.uk
Interested In Volunteering with Circles?
“It’s absolutely tremendous. I think it’s been great. It makes me feel ten feet tall…. I find it hard to explain how much of a difference it makes to people. Every time they get another step up in their confidence it makes you feel good that you had a part in it”
It would be impossible for us to reach as many people as we do without the help of our amazing volunteers. If you're looking for a volunteer role where you can learn new skills, join a fantastic team, and make a huge difference, we'd love to hear from you. Please click the link below to find out how to get involved.