To sign up, call our Helpline on 0800 319 6789 or email telephone.services@independentage.org.
Telephone information groups for people aged 65+
Socialise with your peers and learn from subject experts in our telephone Good to Know groups.
There are many ways you can learn about things affecting people aged over 65 – our Good to Know groups are free, expert and designed to give older people what they need to know. You can think of these groups as a cup of tea and a chat at a community centre, but over the phone in the comfort of your own home. So far, we’ve heard from specialists from organisations like Deafblind UK, AbilityNet and Later Life Training.
Over 200 older people have joined so far, and here’s what they’ve had to say.
Do you know someone who might be interested? Download or order a printed copy of our free leaflet.
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.
January and February
Help with housing costs
Tuesday 21 January 11am–12 noon
Housing costs can take up a big part of our budget. If you’re on a low income, you could be entitled to extra money to help with these costs. Whether you’re renting or you own your home, this session will share how you could get support and how to claim.
Accessible movement with Joy
Wednesday 29 January 12 noon–1pm
Join Joy to brush off the cobwebs and get moving. Joy works to make movement more accessible to all bodies, energy levels and abilities. Using evidence-based information to build healthy habits, she will share simple ways to increase movement and build strength.
Scamwise
Tuesday 18 February 11am–12 noon
Scammers are finding more sophisticated ways to trick people out of money or personal details. We will give you tips for spotting scams and will cover doorstep, phone, postal and online scams. You’ll also learn what you can do if you have been scammed.
Re-engage
Tuesday 25 February 12 noon–1pm
Join Re-engage, which envisions a world where no one is ever too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction. Come and hear about their local tea parties and befriending services, available over the phone and in person.
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.
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 are covered?
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.
Good to Know webinars
Fancy joining one of our Good to Know webinar sessions?
Alongside our Good to Know telephone groups, we also run webinar sessions. If you would like to be kept informed, email telephone.services@independentage.org.
Our next webinar will be 'Scamwise' on Thursday 27th February 2-3pm.
Scammers are finding more sophisticated ways to trick people out of money or personal details. Join Emily from Independent Age, who will give you tips for spotting scams and will cover doorstep, phone, postal and online scams. You’ll also learn what you can do if you have been scammed.
This session is suitable for everyone and is free to join.
Topics covered: Scams, staying safe, getting support