Personal life

Difficult conversations

These pages are aimed at family, friends and carers who want to talk to a relative about difficult and sensitive subjects. They may also help if you are an older person and want to talk about a sensitive subject yourself.

Getting out and about

Getting out and about is important for our wellbeing but it can become more challenging as we get older. You can get advice if you want to carry on driving safely and you may be eligible for a Blue Badge to help with parking. If you don’t drive, there are aids to help you stay mobile, as well as travel discounts, special transport schemes, help with shopping, and accessible holidays.

Relationships in later life

Strong relationships can contribute to your health and wellbeing and, in later life, partners, family and friends can be an important source of support. All relationships come under pressure at times and, sadly, things can go wrong. Whether you're thinking of ending a relationship or starting a new one, there is help available if you need it. 

Staying safe online

The internet is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends and it can make your life easier. You can do your shopping online, get better access to health and information services or use it for entertainment.  But there are dangers and you need to protect yourself and your computer so you can stay safe.

GriefChat - Online service only

Please use pop-up chat box below.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them and their relationship with the person who has died. GriefChat provides emotional support for bereaved people, access to trained bereavement counsellors and referral into other specialist bereavement services.

When someone dies

When someone dies, it can be overwhelming. There is a lot that needs to be done at a time when you may feel ill-equipped to deal with it. Support is available and careful planning can help. 

You can reach bereavement experts by clicking on the GriefChat box below where you can chat directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need. GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm or by email out of these hours.

Loneliness

All of us can feel lonely or isolated from time to time, whether we live alone or with others. Loneliness is the feeling of sadness that comes from not having as much company or the type of company that you would like, and it affects everyone differently. If you're feeling lonely there are things you can do to help yourself and places you can look for support.