Social groups and activities for older people in Manchester

It’s not always easy to stay social and make new friends as adults. Marriage, relocation, career changes and family demands can all make it more difficult to keep in touch with old friends, or get out and meet new ones. It’s why a study by the Red Cross found over 9 million adults in the UK regularly feel lonely.

And unfortunately, loneliness can get worse with age. If you’re less mobile, get tired more easily, are no longer the hub of your family, or have lost a partner or friend, you can quickly find yourself spending most of your time in your own company. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Putting yourself out there in later life can be daunting, but there’s a wide range of activities across Manchester, and so many people who are also looking for someone to chat to and enjoy life with. So, if you’re looking for things to do eithe

Arts and culture

Manchester Art Gallery

The gallery holds two regular events designed to get adults talking about art. The Philosophy Café runs on the third Tuesday morning of each month, each session has a philosophical question to discuss in the gallery cafe, before exploring related artworks. The gallery also hosts Art Bites every other Wednesday. This is an opportunity to have an informal chat about two contrasting artworks in the gallery.

Both events are free with no need to book ahead.

The Whitworth Gallery

The Art Gallery has partnered with Age Friendly Manchester to create a programme of events offering a safe space for those over 50 to enjoy art and cultural activities. Recent events have included Friday craft workshops in the gallery’s garden studio, and ‘create and debate’ sessions where people can share stories and listen to insights from guest speakers while crafting.

Brunswick Village Creative Workshops

This over 55’s group is organised by Age UK and Arts 4 Good Health and holds a variety of creative workshops with all materials and resources provided. The organisers do ask for a £1.50 donation to help with the continued running of the group.

Manchester Poetry Library

Based in the heart of Manchester city, the poetry library holds an extensive collection of contemporary poetry both in print and audio format. It’s free to join, and holds a range of events throughout the year – from readings and discussions, to creative workshops.

Lunch Clubs and Coffee Mornings

Royal Voluntary Service Lunches

The charity runs lunches across the UK, including a popular one in Failsworth. Twice weekly the club provides good food and a friendly atmosphere, and is a great place to meet new people and enjoy some conversation. They also offer activity sessions including painting, knitting and crochet.

Re-engage Tea Parties

Re-engage runs events all over the UK to help older people expand their social circle. Their tea parties are monthly get-togethers for people aged 75 and over. Once a month, on a Sunday, guests and volunteers share tea, cake, and companionship for an afternoon. Volunteer drivers can also pick up older people from their homes and drop them back after.

131 Club

Run by Age UK Tameside, this club offers a two-course home-cooked meal, activities, and a place to meet people.

Social Clubs

Age UK Manchester

You may know Age UK is the largest later life charity, but did you know the huge range of social clubs for all kinds of interests and abilities too? Here are just some of the offerings from the Manchester branches –

Men in Sheds (South Manchester) – A group for sharing skills over a hot drink, while working on practical hobbies, such as woodwork
Book and Jigsaw Exchange (South Manchester) – a chance to swap and chat about books and jigsaws with likeminded people
Crossacres Stitchers (South Manchester) – A social group for sewing, repairing and upcycling
Group Quiz at Brunswick Village (Central Manchester) – A weekly friendly general knowledge quiz
‘Out in the City’ older LGBT group (Central Manchester) – support group for over 50s members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities
Brews Brothers (North Manchester) – A group for men to socialise, and play cards or dominoes over a brew
Seated Exercise Session with Kathy Morrison (North Manchester) – Gentle exercise class followed by a coffee and a chat.

String of Hearts

Based in Trafford, string of hearts is a friendship club that brings people over 50 together through music. Offering fortnightly get-togethers to chat and play music, and a range of seasonal music events it welcomes musicians and music fans alike.

String of Hearts also offers a Music Hotline, a free phone call service for people who are unable to attend their activities in person. You can register for both the groups and hotline via the form on their website.

Getting out and active

Heaton Park

Heaton park is one of Manchester’s largest green spaces and hosts a few leisure activities that could appeal to those with a love of the outdoors. Every Thursday at 7pm from March to September the Heaton Park Astronomy Group meets at the bowls pavilion for a stargazing session. There is disabled access and the group is open to all – whether you’ve previously dabbled in astronomy or not, and telescopes are provided.

The Manchester & District Beekeepers’ Association also meets in the park. Based in Dower House they provide training courses for beginners, as well as informal talks, and have a safe observation hive where you can watch their bee colony.

The North City Nomads

This group organises 4 days out a year by coach to attractions and the countryside for people of North Manchester who are over the age of 50. Trips can cater to people with mobility problems, and cost £10 or less. Past daytrips have included Chester and Southport.

Over 60s Swimming

Better is a charitable social enterprise that offers a huge range of services to help people stay active. At the Manchester Aquatics Centre in the city centre they run a number of swimming sessions for older people including dedicated senior sessions and aqua aerobics. Over 60s can take part for free by registering for the MCRactive Pay as you Go card.