Doreen was used to doing everything with her husband, until he passed away 6 years ago. The grief got easier with time, but she often felt lonely and down. Last year, Doreen’s daughter brought her to BDCA’s Over 65s Arts and Crafts and Doreen has been attending ever since.

“Coming here has changed my life. It has really helped my mental wellbeing. I’ve made many friends, even a best friend who I go out with every week, It’s so nice to have someone to do things with again, as my closest friend passed away a few years ago. I don’t feel as lonely as before.”

Doreen had been living in the area for 40 years, but didn’t get involved. She lost husband 6 years ago, her son and daughter have moved out the area so she doesn’t get to see them as often. “I became lost, it gets a little easier, it gets you down sometimes. My daughter found out about BDCA and encouraged me to attend, took me over, started with arts and crafts”

Doreen feels like this has changed her life. “I’ve made so many friends and a special friend I go out with regularly. Michelle does so well. I join any activities to enjoy bowling, arts, darts, chat outside, all the events and trips. I still get lonely, but I look forward to Mondays – Wednesdays”

Find out more about our Over 65’s Services here.

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