Friendship & Fun for older people

Recently we helped Life Well Lived, Biggar with a £750 grant to cover the costs of art, therapy, and materials to deliver a programme of activities for older people.

Life Well Lived is a small charity located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, and our funding helped towards providing a varied activity programme from April to June 2026 ranging from Musical scores to quiz days, to seated dance and pottery and an outing to see a film at the Corn Exchange at the end of June.

Our funding paid for the quiz materials, the singing therapist, seated dance teacher, pottery materials and instructor.

Many people who attend these sessions experience challenges linked to poverty, deprivation, poor health, social isolation, bereavement, and inequality. Living with long-term health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, cancer recovery, long COVID, or mental health difficulties can often lead to reduced income, limited opportunities to participate in community life, and increased loneliness. For some, caring responsibilities, lack of transport, digital exclusion, or the loss of family and social networks further deepen feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

Through the Friendship & Fun group the participants develop stronger social connections, improve emotional wellbeing, and gain greater confidence to engage in everyday life. 

The feedback on what are the best things about the group included:

• Meeting different people
• Variety of activities
• Wonderful staff
• The company
• Singing and learning some new, learnt a lot already
• Getting out the house and meeting new people over a good cup of tea
• Learning at our age
• Conquers loneliness
• Provides transport if needed by volunteers so we can attend