A NEW Café Culture group is making its way to Farnham in May to help combat loneliness in older people.

Research shows that a staggering 1.2 million older people in England are chronically lonely and 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with friends or family for an entire month.

It’s following on from the success of three previous Café Culture groups in Cranleigh, Staines and Guildford.

The new social group is launching on Wednesday, May 9, 2:30pm–4:30pm, at The Plough public house in Farnham.

It is a great initiative for people to get out of the house and make new friends in a social environment.

Café Culture is one of the initiatives that Age UK is setting up in Farnham to encourage people over the age of 50 to meet up weekly as a social group within the local area.

Go along on your own or with others for a drink or a cuppa, pub games, conversation and vinyl music - feel free to even bring your own vinyl.

Food, as well as drinks, can also be purchased.

Age UK Surrey staff and volunteers will be on hand to welcome you, make introductions and get involved in the chatter.

Terry, a member who attends the Café Culture group in Cranleigh, said: “When you retire you lose about two thirds of your friends and acquaintances.

“I don’t have any family and I have lost some of my friends on top of this, so it gets a bit lonely.

“It’s nice to have somewhere to go where you can meet for a coffee and have a chat with new people and make new friends.”

Loneliness and isolation is a growing issue within our communities.

If you would like to find out more about Café Culture call 01483 503414.