New roles to help beat loneliness with Just Friends

Frederick Smith, Chair of Just Friends Just Friends social groups are specifically for people who live alone, including informal carers who live with the person they care for. Set up in 2018 in Eastbourne, its aim is to bring people together in a social setting, where they can interact with other people in a similar situation.

Just Friends social groups are specifically for people who live alone, including informal carers who live with the person they care for. Set up in 2018 in Eastbourne, its aim is to bring people together in a social setting, where they can interact with other people in a similar situation.

Using a specially designed format, membership in Eastbourne grew quickly, extending to Bexhill and Newhaven with a further branch opening in Hastings over the summer of 2022. This is the current compliment of branches in East Sussex, all thriving and giving much welcomed social interaction to its members. It has proved so successful, that the organisation is now seeking a part-time East Sussex Branches Manager as well as volunteers to help at each of its branches.

It also continues to grow westwards, with Just Friends now extending into Brighton, and future expansion planned for West Sussex.

What does Just Friends do?

Just Friends provides a full calendar of events for each branch including bi-weekly socials, walking groups, lunches, get togethers, events and excursions. Many of the members travel to other branches, too, attending events, activities and socials in each area.

During the winter months, when the nights are drawing in, there are regular indoor events such as tea parties or hot lunches. In the brighter summer months excursions are programmed and subsidised by Just Friends, which to date have included the Blue Bell Railway, castles, gardens and anywhere the members have requested to visit.

There is no membership fee to join Just Friends. Members only pay a nominal fee when they attend bi-weekly socials in their areas. Otherwise, they pay towards subsidised events, lunches and excursions, or for their own meals, coffees etc, when attending locally arranged lunches or coffee mornings.

What do the members of Just Friends say?

“I am so pleased that I joined Just Friends. As a result, I have made some very good friends. Everybody is very friendly and welcoming. It is one of the best things I have done.”

“I have been a member of Just Friends for some time. It is friendly and welcoming. I have met several new friends and really enjoy the meetings and activities.”

“When my husband died I was determined not to “fade away” and I joined Just Friends. I have met some really nice people who have saved me from total boredom. Thank you so much.”

If you would like to apply for the post of East Sussex Branches Manager, become a volunteer or a member please contact Just Friends on [email protected], call 07585 694156 or visit https://just-friends.uk/wp/