Stay connected

How does social isolation affect brain health?

Feeling lonely or disconnected can increase dementia risk. Social interaction keeps your brain active and supports emotional wellbeing

What can we do to reduce this risk?

Even small changes can make a big difference:

✔ Stay in touch with friends and family

✔ Join a local group, club, or volunteering activity

✔ Reach out if you’re feeling isolated—support is available.

What support is available in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire?

Things to do

Find local activities, groups, events, sports, community venues, outdoor spaces and other opportunities to stay active, connected and involved in their community.

The Tackling Loneliness Collaborative (TLC)

A hub of information, support, and community connections for people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Helping individuals find local social activities, support services, volunteering opportunities, and resources to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.

Social prescribing - NHS

If loneliness, isolation, stress, or life challenges are affecting your wellbeing, a Social Prescribing Link Worker can help connect you with local groups, activities, volunteering opportunities, and community support. Speak to your GP practice to find out more about social prescribing in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Mind community group

Nottinghamshire Mind offers welcoming community groups, social activities, creative sessions, fitness programmes, and wellbeing opportunities across the county. These groups provide a safe and supportive way to meet new people, develop interests, improve wellbeing, and feel more connected to your community.

The Big Green Book (Nottingham CVS)

The Big Green Book is a directory of nature-based activities and community opportunities across Nottingham and parts of Nottinghamshire. Developed through the Green Space Social Prescribing programme, it helps people find local walking groups, community gardens, conservation projects, outdoor activities, volunteering opportunities, and wellbeing programmes.

Your CVS Community Connections

Your CVS supports people across Nottinghamshire to stay connected through befriending schemes, social activities, volunteering opportunities, and community events. Their services help reduce loneliness, increase confidence, and create meaningful social connections.

Ashfield Voluntary Action: groups and activities

Free community groups and activities designed to help people stay connected, build friendships, and improve their wellbeing. Activities bring together people with shared interests and experiences, providing opportunities for socialising, peer support, learning new skills, and reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Rushcliffe Community Hub and Friendship calendar

Find opportunities to meet new people, try new activities, and access support through local social prescribing initiatives. Friendship sessions and community events are designed to reduce loneliness and help people stay active and connected.

Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service (BCVS): events and activities

Connect with communities through a wide range of events, activities, volunteering opportunities, and community groups across Bassetlaw. Bringing together residents, volunteers, charities, and community organisations, helping people build social connections, access support, discover local opportunities, and get involved in community life.

Age UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

We support lonely and isolated older people, living in the County, with a volunteer visitor or telephone befriender to chat with regularly. If you think that you, or a loved one, would benefit from this kind of support, get in touch with Age UK Notts today! We also have a vibrant Social calendar.

Regular events in libraries

Free and low-cost activities in libraries, helping people stay connected, learn new skills, and enjoy their local community.