Arthur doesn’t always join in with the activities at the Re-engage Bromsgrove Bluebird Care group, often choosing to relax and watch the activities from the sidelines with a smile. 

“The most important thing for me is to get out and mix with people. It’s such a joy,” said 93-year-old Arthur. “When I started going to the group, I hadn’t been out of the house for two years. But now I can because someone drives me there and back. 

“When I get to the group my activity is drinking tea and eating the sandwiches and cakes. And that’s absolutely fine by me. It’s nice to know this is a regular event. If I didn’t go along, I wouldn’t get another chance to get out of the house. So, as long as it’s going, I’ll be there.” 

Arthur, who lives a few miles from Bromsgrove, in the West Midlands, has been alone since his wife Marjorie died not long ago; they had been married for 70 years. He is one of a group of 12 attending the monthly sessions at the Bluebird Care offices in Millennium Court, Bromsgrove, where activities include arts and crafts, boccia and board games. 

“It does get lonely, especially in the evenings,” added Arthur, a retired electrician who played for Aston Villa FC reserves when he was a teenager. “But the main thing is I have no one to talk to if there is a problem. 

“But I’m still mentally alert and I manage to stay upbeat. I’ve always been a positive person. I watch some TV and do a bit of reading. I always loved looking after the garden but I can’t do that anymore. The most I can manage is collecting the apples that fall off my tree. I used to get out a lot and only stopped driving last year when I had a pacemaker fitted and was advised to give up the car. But I’m not complaining. I have a gardener who comes in now and then, a cleaner and carers from Bluebird Care who are extremely good. People couldn’t be kinder. 

“It’s lovely being driven to the activity group. The lady from Bluebird Care who took me last time had green hair and was especially nice. While we were going along I told her I couldn’t get tins of pilchards anymore. So, when we stopped she checked on her laptop and we discovered that pilchard supplies had been affected by over-fishing and a lot more demand for them. It was good to find the reasons for the shortage and nice that the lady with green hair took the trouble to check it out for me. That’s the sort of thing that makes it worthwhile going to the group.” 

Ranjot Khatra, Director of Bluebird Care Bromsgrove and Redditch, started the group in December 2024 and said it was 'truly inspiring to witness the joy, confidence, and reassurance these events bring.' Alongside Events Coordinator, Shikira, Ranjot also uses the events to bring together different community organisations and services, including the police who recently gave a talk on scams awareness and home safety. And plans are underway to start a new group in nearby Sutton Coldfield, where there is already a waiting list of older people eager to join. 

“Re-engage is an extraordinary organisation making a real and immediate difference in the lives of so many older people across the country,” said Ranjot. 

“Through simple yet powerful initiatives, they help bring people out of isolation and give them opportunities to connect, feel valued, and stay informed. It’s a true privilege for us to support Re-engage through our monthly coffee afternoons. 

“For many of the older people who attend, these gatherings have become a treasured date in their calendars, and it has been wonderful to open our doors to the wider community. Some of our regular guests have even started bringing friends along each month, further extending the reach and impact of Re-engage’s work. 

“It’s quite a simple initiative with a massive impact. It has been eye-opening to see how lonely some of the older people are and what a difference we can make. It’s so rewarding. When we started, people were making their own way to the venue but now we provide transport it has been a game-changer. It’s so much easier for them to attend. 

“I received an email from the son of one of our guests expressing how grateful he was that we offer these coffee afternoons free of charge, arrange transport - which is often a significant barrier for older people - and provide his father with something to look forward to each month. 

“Re-engage’s impact goes beyond the individuals who attend their activities. It also brings huge peace of mind to family members, many of whom live far away, knowing there are people and services available to support their loved ones. 

“There is extensive research demonstrating the devastating impact that loneliness and isolation can have, particularly on older people. Sadly, it’s an issue often overlooked, with many of us underestimating how lonely life can become over time. Weeks without leaving the house or seeing visitors can quickly turn into months and even years. With an ageing population, this is a challenge that will only grow unless we take action and shine a light on this issue.” 

Joanne, 76, is delighted to have joined the group: “I love it,” she said. “It gets me out and is good for me. In fact, I enjoy it so much I’ve started taking a friend along and she really loves it too. 

“I take part in the activities, doing quizzes, painting or playing cornhole and have made some friends. And the really good thing is that I’m driven there, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to make it.” 

June, 90, who has been a widow for eight years, said: “I really enjoy going to the group and wouldn’t miss it for anything. I join in the games and have made some friends there. I’m not able to get out of the house unless someone comes to help me so being driven to the meeting is so very important.”