What are Good to Know Groups?
We run Good to Know Groups as part of our Telephone Groups. These one-off events offer social and learning opportunities to people who may not be online or who may struggle to get out and about into their communities. They also connect older people with their peers and partner 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 living room. Our current programme of regular Good to Know Groups is now open for new people to join.
What happens at a Good to Know Group?
Good to Know Groups take place most weeks and last around an hour. At 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 them. There’s always a chance to learn something new, to ask questions and to hear about other people’s experiences.
Guest speakers
Since our Good to Know Groups launched, we’ve had guest speakers from:
- Ability Net, to talk about digital upskilling
- The Sleep Charity, to talk about getting better sleep
- MIND, to talk about mental health and support services
- Turn2US, to talk about support through debt
- DeafBlind UK, to talk about hearing and sight loss in older age
- The Reader, to talk about getting involved in their shared reading groups
- Passionate colleagues across Independent Age, who offered a creative writing session, an introduction to volunteering and a chat about 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.