What are Good to Know Groups?
These are free national telephone events, offering social and learning opportunities to people who may not be online or who may struggle to get out and about in their communities. The groups connect people aged 65+ with their peers and useful organisations, to hear and talk about issues that matter to them. Think of these groups like a cup of tea and a chat at a community centre, but over the phone in the comfort of your home. See the programme of upcoming talks.
Alongside our telephone groups, we also run webinar sessions. Our webinars, led by a trained advisor, offer a deep dive into our information guides and provide the opportunity to ask questions. They are suitable for those over 65, family, friends, carers or anyone supporting an older person. Read more about our webinar sessions.
What happens at a Good to Know Group?
Good to Know groups meet most weeks and last around an hour. For each group, we invite a different guest speaker to come and tell us a bit about their organisation and an issue or topic that matters to older people. There’s always a chance to learn something new, to ask questions and to hear about other people’s experiences.
What kind of topics do the groups cover?
We cover all kinds of topics, like wellbeing, social care, money and scams. In 2023 we held groups marking National Sleep Awareness Day, Stress Awareness Month, Pride Month and much more. We regularly host Scamwise and Moneywise groups, which are based on our guides and help to keep you alert and knowledgeable about your finances and safety. Remember, you can order these guides for free from our website. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, let us know – we’re all ears.
How do I sign up?
Call our Helpline for free on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org.
Upcoming talks
To sign up for any of the talks, please call our freephone Helpline on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org. Alongside our telephone groups, we also run webinar sessions.
April
Stress awareness
Thursday 11 April 11am–12 noon
Come to unwind and blow off steam as we try out some different ways to relieve stress, which you can continue practising at home.
Home safety
Wednesday 17 April 12 noon–1pm
The home is the most common location for an accident to happen. We'll discuss spotting hazards in your home and to prevent accidents – like falls, fires or spills.
Thrive
Tuesday 23 April 11am–12 noon
We’ll talk about how green spaces can benefit wellbeing. Whether or not you have a garden or are experiencing mobility issues, this session is for everyone.
Attendance Allowance
Tuesday 30 April 11am–12 noon
Attendance Allowance is extra money if you are over State Pension age and have a long-term disability or health condition. Join us to hear more about what you might be entitled to and how to claim.
May
Deaf Awareness Week
Wednesday 8 May 12 noon – 1pm
Join us to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week and promote inclusion. Even if you’re not suffering from sight or hearing loss, you’ll learn about things to be aware of and the services that Deafblind UK provides.
AbilityNet
Tuesday 14 May 11am–12 noon
Come and hear all about AbilityNet, a charity that helps people, one-to-one, in their own homes to gain new digital skills. We'll discuss the different ways they can support.
Taking positive steps
Wednesday 22 May 12 noon – 1pm
Join Sam from Later Life Training, for information on how to stay independent and mobile as we age and ways to make a difference to your posture – starting today!
Dementia Adventure
Tuesday 28 May 1–2pm
Dementia Adventure understands how complex and individual the needs of people living with dementia are. Join Ruth to hear about the various services this charity offers and meet others in a similar situation.
June
Hourglass
Tuesday 4 June 12 noon–1pm
Hourglass is the UK’s only charity focused on the abuse and neglect of older people. We will discuss the support Hourglass provides for those experiencing abuse or those worried about someone.
Linking Lives UK
Thursday 13 June 11am–12 noon
Join Linking Lives UK to hear about the different ways loneliness can affect us physically and mentally, and to learn practical strategies for addressing it. Linking Lives UK is a national Christian charity.
Scamwise
Tuesday 18 June 11am–12 noon
Scammers are finding more sophisticated ways of tricking people out of money or personal details. Join our adviser from Independent Age, who will give you tips for spotting scams.
Want to receive our Good to Know Group programme?
If you, or someone you know, would like to receive our regular Good to Know Groups programme by email or post, please call our freephone Helpline on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org and a member of the team will tell you all about how they work and get you signed up.
Then all you need to do is choose which groups you’re interested in joining that month, and give our team a call to book your place.
Frequently asked questions
How does it work?
Sign up to our mailing list and we’ll keep you in the loop about all our upcoming groups. You then choose which groups you’re interested in joining that month and give our Helpline team a call for free on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org to book your place. We won’t automatically book you a place at every group – you’ll need to let us know.
Can I refer someone I know?
Yes – as long as you have that person’s consent to refer them. Let us know their details by calling our Helpline for free on 0800 319 6789 or emailing telephone.services@independentage.org. Or, you can share our contact details and ask them to give us a call.
How much do the groups cost?
Our groups are free to join. You may want to check with your telephone supplier about how many free minutes you get with your mobile or landline package.
What if I have a question before signing up?
We’re here to answer any questions you might have before you sign up – give our Helpline team a call for free on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org.
What if I’m not online?
Our Good to Know groups are run over the telephone, so you don’t need to be online.
How will I record information from the group?
There’s no need to take extensive notes. After each group, we send out a follow-up letter with details of what we discussed during the group and how to get more information or support. If you still have questions after that, we’re here to help – give our Helpline team a call for free on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org.
Are the groups recorded?
No – we don’t record our groups, but we can send you the follow-up letter if you can’t make it. Just let us know.
Do I have to commit to attending regularly?
Not at all – you just choose which groups sound useful to you. We usually host four Good to Know groups each month, and you’re welcome to join as many as you like.
What if I forget about an upcoming session?
Our friendly Helpline team will give you a reminder call the day before.
Good to Know webinars
Fancy joining one of our Good to Know webinar sessions?
Alongside our Good to Know telephone groups, we often run webinar sessions. To be kept informed, email telephone.services@independentage.org.
Attendance Allowance webinar
Attendance Allowance is extra money you can claim if you’re over State Pension age and need help with your care needs or regular supervision. It’s not means-tested, so you can claim it whatever your income or savings.
Learn more in our upcoming webinar on Thursday 25 April, 2pm – 3pm.