Retirement has the potential to unlock the best in all of us. Reduced stress, more time to spend with your loved ones doing the things you like, when you like. However, the routine and responsibility you have adhered to for all those years no longer applies, and as Ben found out it is easy to start feeling isolated and cutting yourself off from the outside world.
As an existing client, Ben’s monitoring officer identified his needs to engage with the local community once retirement starts; aside from work and Stockport County games, he very rarely left the house. Ben really enjoys speaking to people and has a range of qualities that make him very easy to get along with, so it was decided that he would attend the Coffee Morning session at Life Leisure each Tuesday.
Within 5 minutes of arriving, Ben was connecting with new friends and reconnecting with old, his smile and energy welcomed with open arms by the group.
The Future
It’s fair to say Ben hasn’t looked back. Ben is now attending life leisure twice per week for sessions that involve socialising, exercising and even Bingo (of which he has won twice!).
Ben’s confidence has grown and he feels a real sense of purpose and belonging within his local community. Looking ahead, Ben is keen to find additional groups that he can attend, including Stockport County’s Wellbeing Group… Watch this space!
